Fidyah and kaffarah are obligations for Muslims observing Ramadan who break their fasts under certain circumstances. It’s crucial for us, as Muslims, to comprehend the specifics of fidyah and kaffarah to ensure the spiritual integrity of our fasting throughout the month.
At times, circumstances may necessitate breaking our 30-day fast in Ramadan, whether due to illness, travel, or even when you forget
Let’s look a little more into the valid exemptions from fasting.
- Sickness
- Travelling
- Intense Thirst or Hunger
- Senility and Old Age
- Compulsion
Most of these exemptions revolve around safeguarding one’s health, except for compulsion, which is relatively uncommon. Islam emphasizes the well-being of individuals, permitting these exemptions as necessary throughout Ramadan.
Individuals breaking their fasts due to the reasons mentioned are obligated to pay fidyah (except for illness and travel), while those breaking their fasts for other reasons are obliged to pay kaffarah.
What is Fidyah?
Fidyah represents the monetary contribution made for each missed day of Ramadan fasting due to reasons falling within the five valid categories mentioned earlier.
This payment is distributed to those in need and is calculated to provide sustenance for one individual for an entire day.
In accordance with Islamic teachings, the Prophet Muhammad, peace be upon him, set the standard for fidya at half a sa’—equivalent to two double handfuls—of food per missed day.
What is Kaffarah?
Kaffarah is the payment of wealth as a form of recompense for intentionally breaking a fasting day during Ramadan, such as by consuming food or drink, or engaging in sexual intercourse, without a valid justification.
Similar to fidyah, each missed fasting day requires its own kaffarah payment. There are three common forms of repentance:
- Freeing a Muslim from slavery
- Providing food for a specified number of needy individuals (typically 60 people)
- Observing fasting for a designated number of days
Having a comprehensive understanding of our faith is crucial for practicing Muslims, particularly during Ramadan. While fidyah is offered by those unable to fast for valid reasons, kaffarah is a payment made by those who break their fast without justification.
You can also visit Ramadhangiving.com to automate your donations
