For Muslims around the world, Ramadan is a time of spiritual devotion and fasting. But what happens when you cannot fast, or when a fast is accidentally or deliberately broken? Islam provides a merciful and clear structure for making amends through charitable payments known as Fidya and Kaffarah.
While both are forms of compensation paid to the poor, the difference between Fidya and Kaffarah is enormous. It all comes down to the reason the fast was missed—was it due to permanent inability or intentional violation?
Understanding the precise Fidya and Kaffarah rules is essential to fulfilling your Islamic duty correctly. This guide clearly breaks down the rules for 2026 to help you determine which obligation applies to you.
1. Fidya: Compensation for Permanent Incapacity
Fidya (often written Fidyah) is the lesser of the two payments. It is considered a charitable compensation paid on behalf of those who are permanently unable to fast in Ramadan and cannot make up the missed days later in the year.
The reason for this payment is simple: if you are prevented from performing an obligatory act of worship (fasting), you must find an equivalent way to fulfil that duty—and that equivalent is feeding the hungry.
Who Must Pay Fidya?
Fidya applies only to individuals who meet two criteria:
- They missed a mandatory fast during Ramadan.
- They have a valid reason why they cannot realistically make up the missed fasts (Qada) before the next Ramadan.
This typically includes:
- The Chronically Ill: Those with a long-term illness or medical condition (like severe diabetes) that makes fasting impossible, with no expectation of recovery.
- The Elderly and Frail: Individuals in old age whose health or weakness prevents them from safely completing a fast.
The Fidya Requirement
The obligation for Fidya is straightforward, reflecting the mercy of Allah (SWT) on those who are physically incapable:
- Payment: Feed one poor person for each missed fast.
- 2026 UK Rate: Reputable UK charities, including Children of Adam, estimate the cost based on the price of a staple meal. The Fidya amount for 2026 is typically around £5 to £7 per missed day.
- Qada Fast: No make-up fasts (Qada) are required, as the incapacity is permanent.
If you are paying the correct Fidya amount, you are fulfilling your obligation entirely, turning your inability to fast into an act of compassion. You can find out more about the Fidya and Kaffarah Explained on our website.
2. Kaffarah: Atonement for Deliberate Violation
Kaffarah (also spelt Kaffara) means “atonement” or “expiation.” It is a severe penalty required when a Muslim intentionally breaks a mandatory fast during Ramadan without a valid, Islamic excuse.
The high severity of Kaffarah reflects the gravity of violating the sanctity of the fast, which is one of the five pillars of Islam. The specific meaning of Kaffarah is that it is a penance for a serious transgression.
Who Must Pay Kaffarah?
Kaffarah is only triggered by:
- Intentionally eating or drinking during the fasting hours.
- Intentionally engaging in marital intimacy during the fasting hours.
This obligation applies to anyone who is otherwise able to fast but wilfully chooses to break the fast without a valid reason (such as illness or travel).
The Kaffarah Penalty
The Kaffarah penalty is far more rigorous than Fidya, giving us the primary difference between Fidya and Kaffarah:
- Primary Obligation: Fast for 60 consecutive days for each deliberately broken fast. If even one of the 60 days is missed (without a valid excuse), the individual must start the 60 days over again.
- Alternative (If Incapable): If a person is physically unable to fast for 60 consecutive days (e.g., due to old age or chronic illness), they must feed 60 poor people for each deliberately broken fast.
- Qada Fast: In addition to the Kaffarah (either fasting or feeding), the original broken fast day must still be made up (Qada) later.
The Cost of Kaffarah 2026
Since the alternative penalty is feeding 60 people for a single broken fast, the financial cost of Fidya Kaffarah is substantial. Using the 2026 estimated rate of $\pounds5$ to $\pounds7$ per person, the Kaffarah amount for just one broken fast is:
$$\text{Kaffarah Cost} = \text{Cost per meal} \times 60 \text{ people}$$
- Approximate Cost: This usually totals between £300 and £420 for one day’s violation.
3. Qada: Make-Up Fasts (Neither Fidya Nor Kaffarah)26
It is crucial to know that the majority of missed fasts require neither Fidya nor Kaffarah. They only require a make-up fast, known as Qada.
Qada is required when a fast is missed for a temporary, valid reason and the person is expected to make up the fast later before the next Ramadan.
When is Qada Required?
- Temporary Illness: Sickness that will pass (e.g., the flu).
- Travel: Being on a journey that allows for breaking the fast.
- Menstruation or Childbirth: Bleeding that prohibits fasting.
- Pregnancy or Breastfeeding: If the fast is missed out of fear for self or baby, and the missed days can be made up later.
The Rule: If you miss five fasts due to temporary illness, you simply fast five days later in the year. No payment of Fidya or Kaffarah is due. This is a key part of the what is the difference between Fidya and Kaffarah understanding.
Children of Adam: Fulfilling Your Fidya and Kaffarah
Children of Adam is a UK-based charity dedicated to easing suffering, uplifting vulnerable communities, and creating long-term, sustainable solutions for those facing hardship. We blend compassion with practical action to ensure that everyone, especially the most vulnerable, can face the future with dignity.
We understand that determining the difference between Fidya and Kaffarah can be complex, and we are committed to ensuring your obligatory payment is calculated correctly and delivered with maximum impact. Your Fidya and Kaffarah payments are used to provide essential food aid to the poorest and most vulnerable families around the world, directly fulfilling your religious duty.
We carefully calculate the 2026 rates based on the local cost of staple food, ensuring your donation meets the exact Islamic requirements for feeding those in need. Whether you are paying a single day’s Fidya or the substantial Kaffarah for a broken fast, we ensure the funds are allocated correctly and transparently. You can read more about paying Kaffarah online through our reliable channels.
Ready to Fulfill Your Duty?
Now that you understand the essential distinctions and Fidya and Kaffarah rules, take action to fulfil your obligation. If you are ready to make your payment or need further information on our appeals, you can Contact Children of Adam and speak to our team through our official channels.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1. What is the difference between Fidya and Kaffarah in the UK cost?
The financial difference between Fidya and Kaffarah is substantial. Fidya is the cost of feeding one person for one day (approx. £5-£7). Kaffarah is the cost of feeding 60 people for one day (approx. £300-£420) for each deliberately broken fast, reflecting the severity of the violation.
Q2. Is it compulsory to pay Kaffarah through charity, or must I fast for 60 days?
The primary obligation for Kaffarah is always to fast for 60 consecutive days for each intentionally broken fast. The alternative of feeding 60 people is only permissible if you are genuinely and physically unable to complete the 60 consecutive fasts (e.g., due to advanced age or chronic illness).
Q3. Do I pay Fidya if I am pregnant and cannot fast?
If a pregnant or breastfeeding mother misses fasts and is certain she can make them up before the next Ramadan, she only owes Qada (make-up fasts). She only owes Fidya if she is certain she cannot make up the fasts before the next Ramadan begins, often combined with an intention to make them up later when able.
Q4. Does Kaffarah apply if I deliberately ate but forgot I had a valid excuse (e.g., travel)?
If you are travelling or ill (a valid excuse) but you break your fast deliberately, Kaffarah is generally not required, as you had permission to break the fast anyway. However, you must still make up that fast (Qada) later. Kaffarah is reserved for the violation of the fast when there is no valid reason.
Q5. What is the rule for delayed Qada (Make-Up) fasts?
If you miss fasts for a temporary reason (e.g., illness) but fail to make them up (Qada) before the next Ramadan begins without a valid excuse for the delay, you must pay Fidya (feeding one person for each delayed fast) in addition to still making up the fasts. This dual requirement is an important Fidya Kaffarah rule to remember.
