Fidya is a term that means compensation or ransom in Arabic. It is a form of charity that a Muslim pays when they miss or break a fast in Ramadan without a valid reason. Fidya is a way of making up for the missed fast and fulfilling the religious obligation of fasting.
Fasting in Ramadan is one of the five pillars of Islam, which are the basic acts of worship that every Muslim should perform. Fasting in Ramadan means abstaining from food, drink, and sexual activity from dawn to sunset for 29 or 30 days. Fasting in Ramadan has many benefits, such as:
- Strengthening one’s faith and devotion to Allah (SWT)
- Developing self-control and discipline
- Purifying one’s body and soul
- Experiencing hunger and thirst and empathizing with the poor and needy
- Seeking forgiveness and mercy from Allah (SWT)
- Increasing one’s good deeds and rewards
However, not everyone can fast in Ramadan due to various reasons, such as:
- Illness or injury that prevents one from fasting or makes fasting harmful
- Old age or weakness that makes fasting difficult or impossible
- Pregnancy or breastfeeding that requires one to nourish oneself and the baby
- Traveling or working in conditions that make fasting impractical or unbearable
- Menstruation or postnatal bleeding that exempts one from fasting
In these cases, Allah (SWT) has given some concessions and alternatives to fasting, such as:
- Making up the missed fasts later when one is able to do so
- Paying fidya for each missed fast if one cannot make up the fasts later
- Paying kaffarah for each broken fast if one deliberately breaks a fast without a valid reason
In this article, we will focus on fidya, which is the compensation for missed fasts that cannot be made up later. We will explain what fidya is, why it is important, how much it is, how to pay it, and who can receive it.
What is fidya?
Fidya is a form of sadaqah(charity) that a Muslim pays to feed a poor person for every day of fasting that they miss and cannot make up later. Fidya is an option for those who are unable to fast due to illness, old age, pregnancy, breastfeeding, or any other reason that prevents them from making up the fasts later. Fidya is mentioned in the Quran as follows:
“Fasting is for a fixed number of days, and if one of you be sick, or if one of you be on a journey, you will fast the same number of other days later on. For those who are capable of fasting (but still do not fast) there is a redemption: feeding a needy man for each day missed. Whoever voluntarily does more good than is required, will find it better for him; and that you should fast is better for you, if you only know.” (Quran 2:184)
Fidya is not only a way of compensating for the missed fasts, but also a way of expressing gratitude to Allah (SWT) for His blessings and mercy, and seeking His forgiveness and acceptance.
Why is fidya important?
Fidya is important because it helps one to fulfill their religious duty of fasting in Ramadan, even if they cannot fast physically. Fidya also helps one to share their wealth and generosity with the poor and needy, who are more deserving of it. Fidya also helps one to earn rewards and blessings from Allah (SWT), who loves those who give charity.
How much is fidya?
The amount of fidya varies according to the local cost of living and the average meal price. However, it is usually around $5 per missed fast in the Europe and US. This amount should provide one person with two meals or two people with one meal. However, if someone misses all the fasts of Ramadan, they would need to pay $150.
How to pay fidya?
Fidya can be paid in the form of food or money, depending on the situation and the availability of resources. Fidya can be paid before or during Ramadan, but preferably before Eid al-Fitr, which marks the end of Ramadan. Fidya can be paid online through various Islamic charity websites or offline through local mosques or Islamic organizations. You can also make the payment here.
Who can receive fidya?
Fidya is to be given only to the poor and needy, not to everyone. Scholars consider fidya to be like zakat, which is another form of obligatory charity that every Muslim pays annually. Therefore, those who are entitled to receive fidya are regarded as being among those who are entitled to receive zakat. These include:
- The poor, who do not have enough income or assets to meet their basic needs
- The needy, who have some income or assets, but not enough to meet their essential needs
- The debtors, who are in debt and cannot pay it off
- The wayfarers, who are travelers or refugees who are stranded or in need of assistance
- The converts, who are new to Islam and need support and guidance
- The workers, who are employed to collect and distribute fidya or zakat
- The cause of Allah (SWT), which includes any righteous or charitable cause that benefits the Muslim community or humanity at large
- The captives, who are prisoners of war or enslaved and need ransom or liberation
We hope this article has helped you understand what fidya is and how to pay it. Fidya is a great way of fulfilling your religious obligation of fasting in Ramadan, even if you cannot fast physically. Fidya is also a great way of helping the poor and needy, who are more deserving of your charity. Fidya is also a great way of earning rewards and blessings from Allah (SWT), who loves those who give charity.
May Allah (SWT) accept your fidya and your fasting, and grant you a blessed and peaceful Ramadan. Ameen.
