Ramadan is a special time for Muslims, but there are circumstances in which someone may be unable to fast or may break a fast. Illness, travel and other personal situations can affect a person’s ability to complete every day of fasting.
If you have missed a fast, it is important to understand what your circumstances require. Depending on the reason, you may need to make up the missed fast later, pay Fidya, or fulfil Kaffarah. These are not interchangeable options, and paying one does not automatically replace another.
This guide to Fidya 2027 explains the key differences in simple terms, including who may need to pay, how to check the amount and what to consider before making an online donation. Because Islamic rulings can differ according to circumstances and scholarly interpretation, use this article as a starting point and consult a qualified scholar for personal advice.
What is Fidya?
Fidya is a form of compensation connected with certain cases where a person cannot fast during Ramadan. It is commonly relevant to someone who is unable to fast because of a long-term condition or old age and is not reasonably expected to regain the ability to fast.
Depending on the circumstances and the religious guidance followed, Fidya usually involves providing food to an eligible person in need or paying an accepted monetary equivalent so that food can be provided.
Fidya is not automatically required whenever someone misses a fast. If a person is temporarily ill or travelling, for example, they may generally be required to make up the missed days later when they are able to fast. A person who has a lasting inability to fast may fall under different rules.
The reason for missing the fast matters. Before making a Fidya payment, check which ruling applies to your situation.
Fidya, Kaffarah and making up fasts: what is the difference?
These three terms are related to missed or broken fasts, but they have different meanings.
1. Making up missed fasts (Qada)
Qada means making up a missed obligatory fast by fasting on another day. It is generally required when a person misses Ramadan fasts for a valid temporary reason, such as an illness from which they recover or travel.
For example, someone who cannot fast while unwell may need to make up those days after Ramadan once they are able to do so. The exact rules can depend on the reason for missing the fast and the person’s circumstances.
If you have missed several days, write down the number of fasts you need to make up. A simple record can help you keep track and avoid forgetting a day.
2. Fidya
Fidya may apply when someone is unable to fast because of a lasting condition and is not expected to become able to make up the fasts. It is associated with providing food for eligible people in need.
Do not assume that Fidya is the right option simply because making up fasts is inconvenient or difficult at present. If your condition may improve, you may need to follow different guidance.
If your health situation is uncertain, ask a qualified scholar about the religious ruling and seek appropriate medical advice about your ability to fast.
3. Kaffarah
Kaffarah is a form of expiation that applies in certain circumstances involving a serious breach of fasting obligations. It is not the standard payment for every missed fast.
The circumstances that require Kaffarah, and the form it must take, depend on the relevant Islamic rulings. In some cases, Kaffarah may involve fasting for a prescribed period; particular circumstances may allow or require feeding people in need instead.
Because the ruling can vary according to what happened and the school of thought followed, do not assume that making a donation is enough. Ask a qualified scholar to determine whether Kaffarah applies and what you must do.
Who may need to pay Fidya?
Fidya is generally associated with people who cannot fast and are not expected to regain the ability to do so. This may include some elderly people and people living with long-term illnesses that make fasting unsafe or unmanageable.
However, not every person in these groups automatically qualifies. Individual circumstances matter, and the religious ruling should be checked carefully.
Consider these examples:
- A person with a temporary illness: They may need to make up missed fasts after recovering, rather than pay Fidya.
- A person with a lasting illness: If fasting is not possible and recovery is not reasonably expected, Fidya may apply under the guidance followed.
- An older person who cannot safely fast: Fidya may be relevant if they are permanently unable to fast.
- A pregnant or breastfeeding woman: The rulings can differ according to the circumstances and scholarly school followed. Seek specific guidance rather than assuming one rule applies to everyone.
- A person who deliberately broke a fast: Fidya alone may not fulfil their obligations. They should ask a qualified scholar whether Qada, Kaffarah or both are required.
These examples are general guidance, not personal rulings. If you are unsure, explain your circumstances to a trusted scholar before deciding how to proceed.
How much is Fidya in 2027?
One of the most common questions is: what is the Fidya amount 2027?
The amount can depend on the accepted food measure, the value used to calculate it and the guidance followed by the charity or religious authority. Rates can also vary by country and year.
Do not assume that a figure published for an earlier Ramadan is automatically the correct rate for 2027. Check the current amount announced by a trusted UK charity or religious authority before paying.
A useful way to organise your calculation is to:
- Confirm how many fasts are covered by your Fidya obligation.
- Check the confirmed rate for one missed fast.
- Multiply the number of eligible days by the applicable rate, where that method follows the guidance you have been given.
- Check whether the charity accepts Fidya for your circumstances and distributes it in the required way.
For example, if the applicable rate is represented by R and you need to cover D eligible days, the total would be D × R. This is a calculation method, not a confirmed 2027 rate.
Remember that this calculation is for Fidya where Fidya is the correct ruling. It should not be used to work out Kaffarah, which has different conditions and requirements.
How to pay Fidya or Kaffarah online in the UK
Some charities allow people to arrange Fidya and Kaffarah payments online. This can make giving more convenient, especially if you are preparing for Ramadan or reviewing missed fasts from a previous year.
Before paying, take these steps:
Confirm the correct obligation. Establish whether you need to make up fasts, pay Fidya, fulfil Kaffarah or follow another ruling. A charity can explain its programme, but it may not be able to give a personal religious ruling.
Check the current rate. Look for the rate stated for the relevant year and type of payment. Do not assume Fidya and Kaffarah use the same amount or calculation.
Understand how the donation is used. Check whether your contribution provides food directly or funds food assistance for eligible recipients. Make sure the charity explains how it handles the donation.
Review the payment instructions. Follow the charity’s guidance about the number of days, payment category and any deadlines.
Keep a record. Note the number of missed fasts, the reason for your payment and the amount donated. If you also need to make up fasts, keep a separate record of the days completed.
Giving through a charity does not remove the need to make sure you have chosen the correct religious obligation. When in doubt, seek guidance before submitting payment.
Plan for Ramadan 2027
Preparing ahead can help you approach Ramadan with greater confidence. If you have missed fasts to make up, write down how many remain and plan to complete them when you are able, following the guidance that applies to you.
If you believe Fidya may apply, confirm your eligibility and check the announced rate before donating. If you think Kaffarah may be required, seek qualified religious advice rather than assuming a standard food donation will meet the requirement.
The aim is to understand your responsibility and fulfil it carefully. A little planning can prevent confusion and help ensure that any charitable payment reaches the people it is intended to support.
Turn your giving into practical support
When Fidya or Kaffarah applies, understanding the rules helps you take the right next step. Where your circumstances allow a charitable payment, it is also worth considering how that contribution can support people facing hardship.
Children of Adam provides a dedicated Fidya and Kaffarah appeal for those who want to explore their giving options. Visit the appeal to review the available information, check the applicable payment guidance and decide how to proceed.
Frequently asked questions
What is Fidya 2027?
Fidya 2027 refers to Fidya payments relevant to Ramadan 2027. Fidya may apply to people who are permanently unable to fast, subject to the Islamic guidance relevant to their circumstances.
How much is Fidya in 2027 in the UK?
The correct amount should be checked against the rate announced for 2027 by a trusted UK charity or religious authority. Rates can vary, so do not rely on an older figure without confirming it.
Do I pay Fidya for every missed Ramadan fast?
Not necessarily. People who miss fasts for temporary reasons may generally need to make them up later. Fidya may apply in certain cases of lasting inability to fast. Your circumstances and the ruling you follow determine what is required.
What is the difference between Fidya and Kaffarah?
Fidya is associated with certain cases where a person cannot fast, particularly lasting inability. Kaffarah is an expiation required in specific circumstances involving a breach of fasting obligations. They have different rules and should not be treated as the same payment.
Can I pay Fidya online in the UK?
Many charities offer online donation options. Check the applicable rate, the charity’s instructions and how the donation is used before paying.
Can I pay Fidya instead of making up missed fasts?
That depends on why you missed the fasts and whether you can make them up. Someone with a temporary illness may generally need to fast later, while Fidya may apply in cases of lasting inability. Ask a qualified scholar if you are uncertain.
Does Kaffarah always mean making a donation?
No. The required form of Kaffarah depends on the circumstances and the relevant religious ruling. It may involve fasting for a prescribed period, while feeding eligible people may be permitted or required in particular situations. Seek qualified advice before paying.
