The Difference Between Fidya and Kaffarah
Fidya and Kaffarah are two different Islamic terms that many people confuse. Understanding the difference is essential for fulfilling religious obligations correctly.
Fidya
A compensation paid by those permanently unable to fast due to chronic illness or old age.
Amount: Feeding one poor person per missed day
Estimate: Approximately SAR 10-15 per day
Kaffarah
A penalty for deliberately breaking the fast during Ramadan through sexual intercourse without a valid excuse.
Amount: Fasting 60 consecutive days, or feeding 60 poor people
Estimate: Approximately SAR 600-900 (feeding 60 people)
Who Must Pay Fidya?
- Elderly persons unable to fast
- Those with chronic incurable illnesses
- Pregnant and nursing women fearing for themselves or their child (in some schools of thought)
- Those who delay making up fasts until the next Ramadan without excuse (in some schools)
How to Calculate Fidya
Example: A person unable to fast all of Ramadan
- Days in Ramadan: 30 days
- Fidya per day: Feeding one person = ~SAR 12
- Total: 30 x 12 = SAR 360
Types of Kaffarah in Islam
| Type | Cause | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| Fasting Kaffarah | Deliberately breaking fast through intercourse | Free a slave, fast 60 days, or feed 60 people |
| Oath Kaffarah | Breaking a sworn oath | Feed 10 people, clothe them, or fast 3 days |
| Dhihar Kaffarah | Dhihar (a type of divorce oath) | Free a slave, fast 2 months, or feed 60 people |
Methods of Paying Fidya and Kaffarah
- Direct feeding: Providing a complete meal to a needy person
- Food distribution: Distributing rice or dates (approximately 2.5 kg per person)
- Cash payment: Donating to certified charitable organizations to feed the needy on your behalf
Frequently Asked Questions
According to the Hanafi school and some scholars, paying the cash equivalent is permissible. The majority of scholars, however, prefer providing actual food.
Yes, it is permissible to pay the entire month's Fidya at the beginning. It is also permissible to delay and pay after Ramadan ends.
Making up fasts (Qada) is for those who can fast later (travelers, temporarily ill). Fidya is for those permanently unable to fast (chronic illness, old age).
Conclusion
Understanding the rules of Fidya and Kaffarah helps Muslims fulfill their religious obligations correctly. Use our Fidya and Kaffarah calculator to determine the exact amount due.