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Not all missed fasts are the same.
Sometimes, you cannot fast due to illness or old age. Other times, you knowingly break a fast.
But does Islam treat both the same way?
Mistakes happen, and Allah, in His mercy, has given us ways to make amends. As mentioned in the Quran:
وَلَوْ يُؤَاخِذُ ٱللَّهُ ٱلنَّاسَ بِظُلْمِهِم مَّا تَرَكَ عَلَيْهَا مِن دَآبَّةٍۢ وَلَـٰكِن يُؤَخِّرُهُمْ إِلَىٰٓ أَجَلٍۢ مُّسَمًّۭى ۖ فَإِذَا جَآءَ أَجَلُهُمْ لَا يَسْتَـْٔخِرُونَ سَاعَةًۭ ۖ وَلَا يَسْتَقْدِمُونَ
"If Allah were to punish people for their wrongdoings, there woul
"If Allah were to punish people for their wrongdoings, there would be no living being left on earth"(Surah An-Nahl 16:61)
There are two types of compensation for missed fasts: Fidya and Kaffarah.
Fidya is for those who physically cannot fast, while Kaffarah is for those who break a fast intentionally. Knowing the difference ensures you fulfill your obligation the right way, with sincerity and grace.
Let’s further explore the differences between Fidya and Kaffarah.
Fidya compensates those unable to fast during Ramadan due to valid reasons like illness, pregnancy, or old age. It allows those unable to fast to contribute by feeding a poor person for each missed day. This supports those in need during Ramadan.
Kaffarah applies to those who intentionally break their fast by eating or drinking. It also applies to other activities that invalidate the fast without a valid reason. Kaffarah is intended to make up for the sin committed and seek forgiveness from Allah.
Fidya ensures that those unable to fast due to health or valid reasons contribute to others' welfare. It is an act of charity aimed at feeding the poor, helping those in need, and maintaining the spirit of Ramadan.
In contrast, the purpose of Kaffarah is to compensate for the sin of intentionally breaking a fast. It rectifies the wrongdoing and seeks Allah’s forgiveness by making amends for the mistake. This is done by providing for the needy or performing acts of worship.
The amount of Fidya is usually equivalent to feeding one poor person two meals for each day of the fast missed. The amount can vary slightly depending on the local cost of food, but the focus is on providing basic sustenance to those in need.
Kaffarah, on the other hand, can vary depending on the nature of the sin. The compensation for breaking a fast intentionally may include fasting for 60 consecutive days or feeding 60 poor people.
The amount and form of Kaffarah are generally more significant due to the gravity of intentionally breaking a fast.
Fidya applies to those unable to fast due to illness, old age, pregnancy, or breastfeeding. These individuals are exempt from fasting and must compensate by feeding the poor.
Kaffarah applies to those who intentionally break their fast or commit certain sins. This includes breaking an oath or causing harm unintentionally. It is not meant for those who are exempted from fasting due to valid reasons but rather for those who violate the fast deliberately.
The timing of Fidya payment is relatively flexible. It can be paid after the month of Ramadan, but it must be done before the next Ramadan begins. This allows individuals sufficient time to arrange for the compensation.
Kaffarah, however, must be paid immediately after sinning. The urgency is emphasized to rectify the sin quickly. This is essential to seek Allah’s forgiveness
Now, let’s look at the calculations for Fidya and Kaffarah to better understand their requirements.
To calculate Fidya, follow these steps:
For example, if a meal costs $2 in your area and you missed 10 fasts, the fidya calculation is:
= $20
Therefore, you would need to pay $20 as Fidya for the missed fasts. While it is recommended to pay Fidya as soon as possible after Ramadan. It can also be paid at a later time if necessary.
For Kaffarah, there is no fixed formula, as it depends on the type of sin committed. Kaffarah is generally related to sins like intentionally breaking fast or other violations. The compensation involves either feeding the 60 poor or fasting for 60 days.
The cost of this penalty is the equivalent of two meals a day for each of the 60 people. The value of the meals can vary depending on location and food preferences. If you choose, you can also donate the equivalent money to an organization that provides meals to the poor.
For example, if a meal costs $2 in your area and you missed 10 fasts, the kaffarah calculation is:
= $2 x 60
= $120
= $1200
It is important to seek guidance from an Islamic scholar to ensure the proper fulfillment of Kaffarah, as it is a serious matter in Islam. Kaffarah should be paid as soon as possible after the violation.
In summary, understanding the difference between Fidya and Kaffarah is key to fulfilling religious obligations properly. Fidya compensates for missed fasts due to valid reasons, while Kaffarah atones for intentionally breaking a fast.
The amount for Fidya is the cost of feeding the poor, whereas Kaffarah involves either fasting for two months or feeding 60 people. Fidya applies to those who cannot fast due to illness or age, while Kaffarah is for those who break their fast deliberately.
Fidya can be given anytime during or after Ramadan, but Kaffarah should be fulfilled as soon as possible. The calculation for Fidya is based on the cost of feeding one person per missed day, while Kaffarah requires specific actions like fasting or feeding the needy.
In Islam, women are not required to fast during their menstrual periods, and there is no need to pay Fidya (compensation) for the missed fasts during this time. Instead, women are expected to make up the missed fasts once their period is over.
This is based on the teachings of the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH), who said that women should only make up the fasts and not the prayers missed due to menstruation.
Kaffarah, or atonement, is required in Islam for specific actions that violate religious duties.
Some of the situations that require Kaffarah include:
Yes, both Kaffarah and Fidya can be fulfilled by providing food to those in need, which is often more practical.
However, giving the monetary equivalent is also acceptable, allowing trusted charity organizations like Pakistan Sweet Home to purchase and distribute the food on your behalf. This ensures that those in need receive proper support.
WRITTEN BY
Ali Raza (Islamic Jurisprudence)
Ali Raza holds a Master of Arts in Islamic Studies and is an expert in Islamic theology and jurisprudence. Specializing in Zakat, Sadaqah, and other Islamic donations, Ali's writings provide valuable insights into the religious and ethical aspects of charity. His work for Pakistan Sweet Homes aims to educate and inspire readers to support orphan care and charitable initiatives, making him a key contributor to the organization's mission.
Ali Raza holds a Master of Arts in Islamic Studies and is an expert in Islamic theology and jurisprudence. Specializing in Zakat, Sadaqah, and other Islamic donations, Ali's writings provide valuable insights into the religious and ethical aspects of charity. His work for Pakistan Sweet Homes aims to educate and inspire readers to support orphan care and charitable initiatives, making him a key contributor to the organization's mission.
