Fidyah and Kaffarat (An obligatory and religious Debt)

Five daily prayers (salat) and fasting in Ramdhan are mandatory for Muslims and require significant acts of atonement for compensation. However, for those incapable of praying or fasting for various reasons, Islam provides alternatives in the form of Fidya (Fidyah) and Kaffarah (Kaffarat). The “Fidyah” and “Kaffarat (or Kaffarah)” are the religious obligatory donations to be paid to those in need (i.e., poor) for missing Fast, breaking Fast, or missing Salah. The “Fidyah” can be paid either in the form of money or food for missing fast due to valid reasons (i.e., sickness, old age, pregnancy, travel, etc.) and when unable to make up the deliberately missed fast in the future. However, you must fasts for continuously for 60 days or pay “Kaffarat” equivalent to feeding of 60 people for each broken fast intentionally without valid reasons. The “Kaffarat” is also paid as money or food for missing Prayers (or Salah, Salat, Namaz).

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Fidyah for missed fasts of Ramdhan

Fidyah is mandatory and it must be compensated as per ruling in the Holy Quran and Sunnah below. The ruling regarding Fidya is authenticated through Hadith during the time of Hajj (a Muslim pilgrimage to Mecca) for the month of Ramadan.

1. Holy Quran 2: 184 that states “Fast a prescribed number of days. But whoever of you is ill or on a journey, then ‘let them fast’ an equal number of days ‘after Ramaḍan’. For those who can only fast with extreme difficulty, compensation can be made by feeding a needy person for every day not fasted. But whoever volunteers to give more, it is better for them. And to fast is better for you, if only you knew.”

2. Narrated `Abdullah bin Ma'qal: I sat with Ka`b bin 'Ujra and asked him about the Fidya. He replied, "This revelation was revealed concerning my case especially, but it is also for you in general. I was carried to Allah's Messenger (ﷺ) and the lice were falling in great number on my face. The Prophet (ﷺ) said, "I have never thought that your ailment (or struggle) has reached to such an extent as I see. Can you afford a sheep?" I replied in the negative. He then said, "Fast for three days, or feed six poor persons each with half a Sa of food." (1 Sa = 3 Kilograms approx.) - Sahih al-Bukhari 1816, Book 27, Hadith 11

3. Narrated Ka`b bin Ujra: That Allah's Messenger (ﷺ) saw him with the lice falling (from his head) on his face. Allah's Messenger (ﷺ) said, "Are your lice troubling you? Ka`b said, "Yes." Allah's Messenger (ﷺ) thus ordered him to shave his head while he was at Al-Hudaibiya. Up to then there was no indication that all of them would finish their state of Ihram and they hoped that they would enter Mecca. Then the order of Al-Fidya was revealed, so Allah's Messenger (ﷺ) ordered Ka`b to feed six poor persons with one Faraq of food or slaughter a sheep or fast for three days. - Sahih al-Bukhari 4159,  Book 64, Hadith 202

4. Yahya related to me from Malik that he had heard that Anas ibn Malik used to pay fidya when he had grown old and could no longer manage to do the fast. Malik said, "I do not consider that to do so is obligatory, but what I like most is that a man does the fast when he is strong enough. Whoever pays compensation gives one mudd of food in place of every day, using the mudd of the Prophet, may Allah bless him and grant him peace." - Muwatta, Book 18, Hadith 684

Based on this Islamic ruling, the estimated cost of Fidyah is US$10 for two meals per day for each missed fast. This should provide 1 person with 2 meals or 2 people with 1 meal. However, if someone misses all the fasts of Ramadan, they would need to pay US$10 x 30 fasts = US$300. This is just an estimation, but It must be calculated based on your country's economy (i.e., food price) and currency, so it may differ from what we estimated at US$10.

The following are a few reasons you have to pay Fidyah for each missed fasts of Ramdhan when you cannot make up fasts during your lifetime.

• A person with mental or physical illness restricts fasting.

• A person who is on medication that can compromise health if not taken.

• Women who are menstruating for some time over Ramadan.

• Women who are pregnant who cannot fast.

• Extreme age (old or young) men or women who are unable to fast.

Kaffarat for broken fast of Ramdhan

Broken Fast for valid reasons (i.e., sickness with no hope for recovery, pregnancy, etc.) does not require to pay Kaffarat (or Kaffarah). If there is no valid reason for a broken fast, you must pay the Kaffarat either by observing fasts for two (consecutive) months or feeding 60 people (Ref. Sahih Muslim 1111e, Book 13, Hadith 105).

Following are the situations where the Kaffarat for broken fast can be eligible. It can be broadly classified into one or more of five categories: sickness, travel, age, thirst or hunger, or coercion. However, you may not need to pay Kaffarat if there is a valid legitimate Shariah reason.

1. Performing any activity or task that can break the fast.

2. Experiencing long-term sickness, terminally ill, or having a chronic illness, preventing them from fasting.

3. Intentionally eating food or drinking water during fasting.

4. Commit sexual intercourse or similar during fasting.

5. Traveling for medical, business, or other purposes and being unable to fast.

6. Breaking fasts by deliberately throwing up or vomiting in fasting.

7. Unbearable thirst or hunger due to severe weather, financial, or other conditions.

8. Prohibition of fasting from people or organizations through coercion, force, or threat.

9. Intentionally hurting yourself or any other person or animal in the state of fasting.

So, Breaking fast in Ramdhan is a profound act and must be avoided if possible. Failing to do so, you must pay Kaffarat for each broken fast in the following ways.

1. Freeing a Muslim from slavery (which is currently not applicable in most cases).

2. Observe fasts for two consecutive months (i.e., 60 days). Any descriptions of continuous fasting will start the clock again.

3. Feed 60 people or donate an equivalent amount of money or food.

Fidyah on missed prayer

If a Muslim was unable to pray even by head movements, and he or she died in that state (without recovery), then no compensation (fidya) would be due. However, if he or she was able to pray with head movements and he or she did not, compensation (fidya) would need to be paid as per his bequest (wasiyya) and the money he left behind. The compensation (fidya) is the monetary equivalent of approximately 2kg of wheat for each prayer including six per day as the witr prayer is operationally obligatory. (Ref. Ala al-Din `Abidin, al-Hadiyya al-`Ala’iyya)

Kaffarat for broken promise or oath

The Kaffarah for each broken oath or promise (Qasam) is the equivalent of feeding 10 people as per Hadith “Yahya related to me from Malik from Nafi that Abdullah ibn Umar used to do kaffara for a broken oath by feeding ten poor people. Each person got a mudd of wheat. He sometimes freed a slave if he had repeated the oath.” - Muwatta, Book 22, Hadith 1025

Kaffarat for various reasons

Following are some of the reasons that a Muslim must pay Kaffarat to fulfill specific obligations under Islamic law.

1. For breaking fast. Ref. Sahih Muslim 1111e, Book 13, Hadith 105

2. For reverting Vows or oaths. Ref. Muwatta, Book 22, Hadith 1019

3. For reverting Vows or oaths whether mentioning name of Allah or not. Ref. Muwatta, Book 22, Hadith 1023

4. For breaking oaths or promise. Ref. Muwatta, Book 22, Hadith 1025

5. For invoking Dhihar from his wife before he had married her. Ref. Muwatta, Book 29, Hadith 1177

6. Fo paying missed Zakaat. Ref. Muwatta, Book 17, Hadith 55

7. For repayment of killing game in Ihram. Ref. Muwatta, Book 20, Hadith 870

8. No Kaffarat payable. Ref. Muwatta, Book 22, Hadith 1021

Misuse and Abuse of Fidyah and Kaffarat

It does not matter whether wealthy or not, the obligatory religious debts are largely ignored and not followed, which has become a norm and practice in the Muslim community. The following are a few cases that reveal violations of the Fidyah and Kaffarat doctrine.

1. A wealthy and healthy Muslim man did not fast for many Ramadans throughout life and did not bother to pay Fidyah in a lifetime. He died in the same state and did not make a provision in Wills or Trusts for their heirs to fulfill Fidyah's obligation on his behalf.

2. A wealthy and healthy Muslim man has not been prudent in performing daily obligatory prayers and fasting. He did not bother to make up missed prayer even though possessing full mental and physical health. He died in the same state and did not make a provision in Wills or Trusts for their heirs to fulfill Kaffarat's obligation for missed prayers.

3. A wealthy and healthy Muslim man died without leaving Wills or Trusts. His heirs did know about the habits of irregularity of performing fasts and prayers. However, the heirs decided not to pay for Fidyah and Kaffarat because they were not obliged to pay due to a lack of written stipulations.

4. A wealthy Muslim man died without leaving Wills or Trusts. His heirs did knew about the habits of irregularity of performing fast and prayers. However, the heirs decided not to bother to pay for Fidyah and Kaffarat because they were unaware of Islamic rulings of deceased obligations to pay.

5. A poor Muslim man has not been prudent in performing daily obligatory prayers and fasting. He wrote clearly in his Will to pay for Fidyah and Kaffarat for missed religious obligations. However, heirs could not pay because they had nothing left from inheritance and were poor.

Key differences between Fidyah and Kaffarat

Fidya and Kaffarat differ in many aspects, as below.

1. Fidyah is about compensation of unperformed fasts, while Kaffarat is about seeking expiation of sins from broken fasts, missing prayers, breaking oaths, etc..

2. Fidyah means "to give property to redeem someone". However, in the Shariah context, it refers to a religious donation to feed those in need when one cannot fast during Ramadan. Kaffarat, on the other hand, refers to"atonement" or"expiation". In the Shariah context, it relates to missing prayers, breaking fast or oaths, etc.

3. Fidyah can be paid for certain obligations for valid reasons, but Kaffarat requires certain obligations must met irrespective of valid reasons (such as sickness or travel, Holy Quran 2: 184).

4. Applicability of Fidyah does not require deliberate intention, while Kaffarat does impact due to deliberate intentions.

5. Kaffarat requires more effort and cost for compensation than Fidyah. For example, an individual has to fast consecutively for 60 days or feed 60 people to fulfill Kaffarat obligations.

FAQs about Fidyah and Kaffarat

Is it mandatory to pay compensation for Fidyah and Kaffarat?

Fasting and Salah are compulsory, prescribed for every adult Muslim (with certain exception), being part of the five pillars of Islam. So, it will be a religious pending debt on Muslims until paid.

What are the ways to pay the Fidyah or Kaffarat?

You can pay directly to needy poor people. You may pay through registered charitable organizations. Lastly, you can write in the Wills (Trusts) to pay Fidyah and Kaffarat. Ignoring these religious obligations may result in punishment. May Allah (subhanahu wa ta aala) give hidayah (i.e., guidance) to fulfill this important obligation.

When should I pay Fidyah for the missed Fasts?

Fidyah must be paid for missed Fasts of Ramdhan when unable to make it up due to valid reasons (Holy Quran 2: 184).

When should I pay Kaffarat for broken Fasts?

Broken fasts must be paid for broken Fasts of Ramdhan when knowingly broke the fast.

What to do if heirs do not know about missed fasting and prayers of the deceased?

Make the best estimate for missing fasts and prayers.

How many Salah’s per day should be accounted for paying Kaffarat?

It includes 5 Faradh and 1 Witr prayer, which makes total of 6 Salah per day.

How should distribute Fidyah?

The “Fidyah” can be paid for multiple Salah to one person or by dividing one Fidya amount among various persons. Fidya may be given in cash or kind. The “Fidyah” will be paid only to Muslims eligible for Zakah.

Is consent of heirs necessary for paying fidyah for deceased?

If the heirs voluntarily pay the Fidya, it is hoped that Allah (Subhanahu Wa Ta Aala) may accept the Fidya on behalf of the deceased. In such a case, the consent of all Baligh (i.e., Adult) heirs is necessary if all heirs are Baligh. If there are any minors among the heirs, the remaining Baligh heirs may then pay the Fidya from their Shar’i share of the inheritance.

What if the deceased did not make Wills to pay fidyah?

If the deceased did not make any such stipulation, then it is not necessary upon the heirs to discharge Fidya on his/her behalf. Not paying Fidyah on behalf of deceased remains to be pending religious obligations. That’s why it becomes utmost important that everyone can stipulate the Fidyah and Kaffarat part of Islamic Wills (or Trust).

What is the amount of Sadqatul Fitr or Fidyah to be paid?

The amount for Sadaqatul Fitr or Fidyah is equivalent to 2 kg of wheat or wheat flour or 3.5 kg of barley or their equivalent value in one’s area.

Is it permissible to pay Fidyah for the healthy person for a missed fasts or Prayers?

It is permissible to pay Fidyah only for elderly or sick persons who are unable to perform fasts or makeup prayers. If he or she is able, should make up fasts and prayers which is the most desired.