Compassionate Compensation for Missed Fasts

Have you ever considered what to do if you’re unable to complete the fasts during Ramadan? Fidyah is a compassionate provision in Islam that allows those who cannot fast to still gain blessings and fulfill their duties. This form of compensation supports the less fortunate while enabling individuals who cannot fast due to valid reasons to participate in the spirit of giving. Fidyah is more than a payment; it’s a gesture of empathy, helping both the giver and receiver find joy and solace during the holy month.

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What is Fidyah?

Fidyah is a form of charity given by Muslims who cannot fast during Ramadan due to unavoidable reasons like chronic illness or old age, where making up missed fasts later isn’t possible. Fidyah compensates for these missed fasts, allowing those unable to fast to still participate in Ramadan’s blessings and share in its spiritual rewards.

Allah (SWT) says in the Qur’an:

“And upon those who are able [to fast, but with hardship] - a ransom [as substitute] of feeding a poor person [each day].”

وَعَلَى الَّـذِيْنَ يُطِيْقُوْنَهٝ فِدْيَةٌ طَعَامُ مِسْكِيْنٍ

Reference: (Qur'an 2:184)

This verse introduces Fidyah as a compassionate option, allowing individuals to fulfill their duty through charity and support for those in need.
At another place, the following verse has been mentioned in detail about Fidyah:

Allah (SWT) says in the Qur’an

“And complete the Hajj and ‘umrah for Allah. But if you are prevented, then [offer] what can be obtained with ease of sacrificial animals. And do not shave your heads until the sacrificial animal has reached its place of slaughter. And whoever among you is ill or has an ailment of the head [making shaving necessary must offer] a ransom of fasting [three days] or charity or sacrifice. And when you are secure, then whoever performs ‘umrah [during the Hajj months] followed by Hajj [offers] what can be obtained with ease of sacrificial animals. And whoever cannot find [or afford such an animal] – then a fast of three days during Hajj and of seven when you have returned [home]. Those are ten complete [days]. This is for those whose family is not in the area of al-Masjid al-Haram. And fear Allah and know that Allah is severe in penalty.”

وَاَتِمُّوا الْحَجَّ وَالْعُمْرَةَ لِلّـٰهِ ۚ فَاِنْ اُحْصِرْتُـمْ فَمَا اسْتَيْسَرَ مِنَ الْهَدْىِ ۖ وَلَا تَحْلِقُوْا رُءُوْسَكُمْ حَتّـٰى يَبْلُـغَ الْهَدْيُ مَحِلَّهٝ ۚ فَمَنْ كَانَ مِنْكُم مَّرِيْضًا اَوْ بِهٓ ٖ اَذًى مِّنْ رَّاْسِهٖ فَفِدْيَةٌ مِّنْ صِيَامٍ اَوْ صَدَقَةٍ اَوْ نُسُكٍ ۚ فَاِذَآ اَمِنْتُـمْ فَمَنْ تَمَتَّعَ بِالْعُمْرَةِ اِلَى الْحَجِّ فَمَا اسْتَيْسَرَ مِنَ الْهَدْىِ ۚ فَمَنْ لَّمْ يَجِدْ فَصِيَامُ ثَلَاثَةِ اَيَّامٍ فِى الْحَجِّ وَسَبْعَةٍ اِذَا رَجَعْتُـمْ ۗ تِلْكَ عَشَرَةٌ كَامِلَةٌ ۗ ذٰلِكَ لِمَنْ لَّمْ يَكُنْ اَهْلُهٝ حَاضِرِى الْمَسْجِدِ الْحَرَامِ ۚ وَاتَّقُوا اللّـٰهَ وَاعْلَمُوٓا اَنَّ اللّـٰهَ شَدِيْدُ الْعِقَابِ

Reference: (Qur'an 2:196)

Why Give Fidyah?

Giving Fidyah maintains a connection to Ramadan, honoring one’s commitment to Allah (SWT) and supporting the community by assisting those struggling financially. It fosters empathy, generosity, and the communal spirit Ramadan embodies.

The Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) said:

“Whoever fulfilled the needs of his brother, Allah will fulfill his needs.”

مَنْ مَنْ كَانَ فِي حَاجَةِ أَخِيهِ كَانَ اللَّهُ فِي حَاجَتِهِ

Reference: (Sahih Muslim, Hadith 6578)

This encouragement to help others reinforces the bond we strengthen through Fidyah, ensuring all, regardless of their ability to fast, are part of Ramadan’s blessings.

When Should Fidyah Be Given?

Fidyah can be given during Ramadan as soon as it’s clear that fasting isn’t feasible and won’t be made up later. Some may prefer to pay Fidyah daily, while others choose to pay it as a lump sum. Giving Fidyah promptly ensures it reaches those in need in time to benefit them during Ramadan.

How Much is Fidyah?

The Fidyah amount is usually based on the cost of feeding one poor person two meals for each missed fast. This amount varies based on local food costs, but it should be sufficient for a fulfilling meal. For example, if one misses 10 days of fasting and the cost of feeding one person is $5, the total Fidyah would be $50. Local Islamic authorities often set a standard rate, making it easy to fulfill this obligation.

Who Should Give Fidyah?

Fidyah is intended for individuals who:

  • Have a Chronic Illness: Those with long-term health issues that prevent them from fasting.
  • Are Elderly: People who are too weak or old to fast and cannot make up missed days.
  • Experience a High-Risk Pregnancy or Breastfeeding: Women in these conditions may be advised not to fast and may pay Fidyah if they’re unable to make up the missed fasts later. If one’s situation changes, and they become able to make up the fasts, they are encouraged to do so. However, if fasting remains impossible due to ongoing health or age-related issues, Fidyah serves as a permanent alternative.
  • How Does Fidyah Benefit Us?: Fidyah is not only beneficial for the person paying it but also provides significant support to the community. Here are some of the key benefits:
  • Completes the Obligation: Fidyah allows individuals to fulfill their religious duty even if they cannot fast, connecting them to the spiritual blessings of Ramadan.
  • Supports the Needy: The act of giving helps to provide food and essentials for those who struggle financially, especially during Ramadan.
  • Strengthens Community Bonds: Fidyah fosters compassion and kindness, building a sense of togetherness within the community.
  • Increases Personal Blessings: The act of giving sincerely opens the doors to Allah’s mercy and blessings, as it’s an act of kindness and humility.
The Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) said:

“Give charity without delay, for it stands in the way of calamity.”

بَادِرُوا بِالصَّدَقَةِ فَإِنَّ الْبَلَاءَ لَا يَتَخَطَّاهَا

Reference: (Mishkat al-Masabih, Hadith 1887)

How to Give Fidyah

Giving Fidyah can be done through trusted organizations that distribute food to those in need or by directly feeding people within your community. Here are the steps to fulfill Fidyah:

  1. Calculate the Amount: Based on the days missed and the local cost of feeding a person two meals.
  2. Choose a Reliable Method: If donating through an organization, ensure it reaches those in genuine need.
  3. Fulfill Fidyah Promptly: Giving during Ramadan maximizes the impact, supporting the less fortunate during the holy month.

Some people choose to pay Fidyah in advance if they anticipate being unable to fast due to ongoing conditions. This approach ensures they fulfill their duty without delay, bringing peace of mind and spiritual satisfaction. 

“Those who spend their wealth in Allah’s way, they will be rewarded generously.”

اَلَّذِیْنَ یُنْفِقُوْنَ اَمْوَالَهُمْ فِیْ سَبِیْلِ اللّٰهِ

Reference: (Qur'an 2:262)

Give Fidyah Today

If you or someone you know is unable to fast this Ramadan, fulfill the obligation of Fidyah with sincerity and gratitude. By giving Fidyah, you help create a Ramadan filled with compassion, connection, and care for all. Join us in sharing the blessings of this holy month by ensuring that no one goes without the essentials they need.

Give Fidyah and experience the peace and rewards that come from helping others and fulfilling your spiritual duty.

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