Prayer Times

What is Fidya & Kaffarah?

Fidya and Kaffarah are religious compensations in Islam related to fasting. Fidya is paid by those who cannot fast due to valid reasons, while Kaffarah is the expiation for deliberately breaking a fast without a valid excuse.

وَعَلَى الَّذِينَ يُطِيقُونَهُ فِدْيَةٌ طَعَامُ مِسْكِينٍ

"And upon those who are able [to fast, but with hardship] - a ransom [as substitute] of feeding a poor person [each day]."

Quran 2:184

Fidya vs Kaffarah

Fidya

For those who CANNOT fast due to chronic illness, old age, or permanent condition
Feed ONE poor person for each missed day
Equivalent to the cost of one meal per day
Can be paid all at once or day by day

Who Pays Fidya?

Elderly who cannot fast
Chronically ill (permanent condition)
Pregnant/nursing women (if unable to make up later)
Those with terminal illness

Kaffarah

For deliberately breaking a Ramadan fast WITHOUT a valid reason
Fast 60 consecutive days for EACH deliberately broken fast
If unable to fast, feed 60 poor people per broken fast
Much more severe than Fidya

When is Kaffarah Required?

Intentionally eating or drinking during Ramadan fast
Intentional sexual intercourse during fasting hours
Deliberately breaking fast without valid Islamic excuse

Calculate Your Amount

Fidya Calculator

Calculate Fidya for days you cannot fast due to valid permanent reasons.

Number of Missed Days Ramadan has 29-30 days

Fidya Rate Per Day

Cost of one meal in your area

Total Fidya Amount

$450.00

30 days x $15.00 = $450.00

This amount feeds one poor person for each missed day of fasting.

Kaffarah Calculator

Calculate Kaffarah for deliberately broken fasts. Note: The primary obligation is to fast 60 consecutive days per broken fast.

Number of Deliberately Broken Fasts

Cost Per Meal

Kaffarah Options (in order of priority)

Fast 60 Consecutive Days

Per each deliberately broken fast. If you miss one day, you must restart the 60 days.

Feed 60 Poor People

Only if you are unable to fast 60 consecutive days due to health reasons.

Total Kaffarah Amount (if feeding)

$900.00

1 broken fast x 60 people x $15.00 = $900.00

This is the monetary equivalent. Fasting 60 consecutive days is the primary obligation if you are able.

Important Notes

Consult a Scholar

Fidya and Kaffarah amounts may vary by school of thought (madhab). Consult a local scholar for guidance specific to your situation.

Meal Standard

The fidya amount should be equivalent to the average cost of a meal in your local area. It should be enough to feed one person adequately.

Make-Up Fasts First

If your condition is temporary (illness, travel, pregnancy), you should make up missed fasts when able. Fidya is only for permanent inability to fast.

Sincere Intention

Pay Fidya or Kaffarah with sincere intention (niyyah) to fulfill your religious obligation. It should be given to those in need.

Fidya & Kaffarah Calculator