Fidya, What It Is and How to Pay It

Fidya What It Is How to Pay It and Its Importance in Islam

Fidya is a profound concept in Islam, rooted in the Arabic word for compensation or ransom. It represents a specific form of charity that Muslims are obligated to pay when they miss or are unable to observe a fast during the holy month of Ramadan, not due to negligence, but rather due to valid and legitimate reasons that prevent them from making up those fasts later. This act of giving is a compassionate and practical way to fulfill the religious obligation of fasting, ensuring that even those who are physically unable to participate in this pillar of Islam can still contribute to its spiritual essence and earn divine rewards. It serves as a spiritual redemption, allowing individuals to maintain their connection to the sacred practice of fasting while alleviating hardship for others.

Fasting during Ramadan stands as one of the five fundamental pillars of Islam, serving as a foundational act of worship for every Muslim. This sacred observance entails abstaining from food, drink, and sexual relations from the break of dawn until sunset for the entire duration of 29 or 30 days. The benefits derived from this spiritual discipline are vast and multifaceted.

• Fasting deeply strengthens one’s faith and devotion to Allah (SWT), fostering a profound sense of submission and gratitude.
• It cultivates remarkable self-control and discipline, training the individual to master their desires and impulses.
• Beyond the physical, it purifies both the body and soul, promoting spiritual clarity and inner peace.
• A crucial aspect of fasting is the direct experience of hunger and thirst, which builds empathy and solidarity with the poor and needy around the world, who often face such conditions involuntarily.
• Through this act, believers earnestly seek forgiveness and mercy from Allah (SWT), hoping for divine grace.
• Fasting is a powerful catalyst for increasing one’s good deeds and earning abundant rewards in the sight of Allah (SWT).

However, Islamic teachings acknowledge the diverse circumstances of human life, recognizing that not everyone can undertake the rigors of fasting during Ramadan. There are various legitimate reasons that exempt individuals from this obligation.

• These include instances of illness or injury where fasting could either worsen their condition or pose a direct harm to their health.
• The elderly or those afflicted by chronic weakness may find fasting difficult or outright impossible, thus being exempt.
• Pregnant women and breastfeeding mothers are also excused, as their primary responsibility is to nourish themselves and their babies, and fasting could compromise their health or the child’s well-being.
• Individuals engaged in strenuous travel or demanding work conditions that render fasting impractical or unbearable are also granted concession.
• Furthermore, women experiencing menstruation or postnatal bleeding are explicitly exempted from fasting during these periods.

In recognition of these challenges, Allah (SWT) in His infinite mercy and wisdom has provided Muslims with merciful concessions and alternative ways to fulfill their spiritual duties. These alternatives ensure that no one is unduly burdened or left without a path to spiritual fulfillment. One primary alternative is making up the missed fasts later, known as Qada, when one’s health or circumstances permit. This is the preferred option for temporary incapacities. For those who are permanently unable to make up missed fasts, such as the chronically ill or elderly, paying Fidya becomes the prescribed path. There is also Kaffarah, a more severe form of compensation, required if one deliberately breaks a fast in Ramadan without a valid reason, which typically involves freeing a slave, or if not possible, fasting for sixty consecutive days, or feeding sixty poor people.

This article specifically delves into the concept of Fidya, which is the compassionate compensation for those missed fasts that cannot be compensated for by making them up later. We will comprehensively explore what Fidya entails, its profound importance, how its amount is determined, the practical methods of payment, and who is eligible to receive this sacred charity.

What is fidya?

Fidya is an essential act of sadaqah, or voluntary charity, specifically designated for a Muslim who is unable to observe the fast during Ramadan and cannot make up for those missed days at a later time. It mandates feeding a poor person for each day of fasting that was missed. This option is a profound mercy for individuals facing genuine, long-term incapacities such as chronic illness, advanced old age, pregnancy where fasting is medically advised against, or breastfeeding when it impacts the mother or child’s health, or any other permanent condition that genuinely prevents them from observing the fast or making up for it later. The basis for Fidya is explicitly mentioned in the Noble Quran, providing clear guidance on this benevolent practice.

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)

This verse underscores that Fidya is not merely a compensatory act for missed fasts, but also a meaningful expression of gratitude to Allah (SWT) for His countless blessings and boundless mercy. It is a humble plea for His forgiveness and acceptance, demonstrating a sincere effort to fulfill one’s religious obligations even under challenging circumstances.

Why is fidya important?

The significance of Fidya extends far beyond a simple transaction; it embodies profound spiritual and social importance. Primarily, it enables individuals to fulfill their religious duty of fasting in Ramadan, even when physical limitations prevent direct participation. This ensures that no one is left feeling disconnected from this sacred pillar due to circumstances beyond their control. Secondly, Fidya serves as a powerful conduit for sharing one’s wealth and generosity with the most vulnerable members of society. By feeding the poor and needy, those who are genuinely deserving, it redistributes resources and fosters a sense of communal responsibility and compassion. Thirdly, giving Fidya is an act of worship that earns immense rewards and blessings from Allah (SWT). Islamic teachings emphasize that Allah (SWT) loves those who give charity, promising manifold returns for such benevolent acts. It strengthens the social fabric, reduces poverty, and cultivates a spirit of altruism within the Muslim community.

How much is Fidya for Ramadan?

The precise amount of Fidya required is not a fixed, universal sum but rather varies according to the prevailing local cost of living and the average price of a basic meal in a particular region. This ensures that the charity genuinely benefits the recipients in their specific economic context. Generally, in regions like Europe and the US, the recommended amount is often around $5 for each missed fast. This amount is calculated to be sufficient to provide one person with two nutritious meals, or alternatively, to feed two people with one meal each. If an individual, due to a permanent inability, misses all the fasts throughout the entire month of Ramadan, the total Fidya payment would typically amount to $150, based on a 30-day month at $5 per day. It is important to note that individuals are encouraged to give more if they are financially able, as the Quranic verse itself mentions, “Whoever voluntarily does more good than is required, will find it better for him.”

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

Who needs to pay Fidya?

Fidya is specifically for those who are permanently unable to fast and cannot make up the missed fasts later. This includes individuals suffering from chronic illnesses with no hope of recovery that would allow them to fast, the very elderly who are too weak to fast, and pregnant or breastfeeding mothers who are advised against fasting for their own or their baby’s health, and who anticipate being unable to make up the fasts at a later, suitable time. If a person is temporarily ill or traveling, they should make up the fasts later. Only when making up the fasts is genuinely not an option does Fidya become applicable.

Can I pay Fidya in advance?

Yes, Fidya can be paid in advance. It can be paid before the start of Ramadan, during the month of Ramadan itself, or even after Ramadan but preferably before Eid al-Fitr, which marks the end of the fasting month. Paying it earlier, especially before or during Ramadan, can be beneficial as it allows the recipient to utilize the funds during the blessed month, enhancing their ability to celebrate Eid or meet their needs.

Fidya vs Kaffarah what’s the difference?

It is crucial to understand the distinction between Fidya and Kaffarah. Fidya is paid when one cannot fast and cannot make up the fasts later due to a legitimate, ongoing reason, such as chronic illness or old age. It is a compassionate compensation for inability. Kaffarah, on the other hand, is a more severe form of atonement required when a person deliberately breaks a fast in Ramadan without a valid Islamic reason. Kaffarah typically involves freeing a slave, or if not possible, fasting for sixty consecutive days, or feeding sixty poor people for each deliberately broken fast. Kaffarah addresses a deliberate transgression, while Fidya addresses an unavoidable inability.

How to calculate Fidya for missed fasts?

Calculating Fidya is straightforward. You simply multiply the number of missed fast days by the established local Fidya rate per day. For example, if the rate is $5 per day and you miss 10 fasts due to a permanent condition, your Fidya would be 10 days x $5/day = $50. If an individual misses all 30 days of Ramadan, the calculation would be 30 days x $5/day = $150. Always verify the current local rate with a trusted Islamic charity or scholar in your area, as rates can adjust with living costs.

What is the spiritual meaning of Fidya?

Beyond its literal interpretation as compensation, Fidya carries profound spiritual significance. It embodies mercy, compassion, and gratitude. It allows an individual to maintain their spiritual connection to the pillar of fasting, even when physically unable, by fulfilling it through charity. It reinforces the Islamic principle of social justice and caring for the less fortunate, demonstrating practical empathy. It is an act of purification, seeking forgiveness, and acknowledging Allah’s (SWT) wisdom in providing concessions, showing humility and submission to His divine will.

Fidya for pregnant women unable to fast and Fidya for elderly unable to fast

For pregnant women and breastfeeding mothers, if fasting poses a risk to their health or the baby’s health, they are excused from fasting. If they anticipate being able to make up these fasts later, that is the primary obligation. However, if medical advice suggests they will be permanently unable to make up the fasts due to ongoing health concerns related to pregnancy/childbirth or subsequent conditions, then Fidya becomes applicable. Similarly, for the elderly who find fasting increasingly difficult or dangerous due to age-related weakness or chronic conditions, and for whom making up fasts is not a viable option, Fidya is the prescribed method of fulfilling their obligation. It is a testament to the compassionate nature of Islam, which prioritizes health and well-being.

Is Fidya paid per day or per Ramadan?

Fidya is paid per missed day of fasting. If someone misses only a few days of Ramadan due to a permanent inability, they pay for those specific days. If they miss the entire month, they pay for each of the 29 or 30 days of Ramadan. It is not a lump sum for the whole month unless the entire month was missed.

What happens if I don’t pay Fidya?

If an individual is genuinely obligated to pay Fidya but fails to do so without a valid excuse, they would be neglecting a religious duty. This could lead to spiritual repercussions and a feeling of incompleteness in their faith. It is a form of repayment for an unfulfilled obligation, and deliberately neglecting it when able would be considered a sin. However, if one is truly unable to pay Fidya due to extreme poverty, then Allah (SWT) does not burden a soul beyond its capacity, and seeking sincere forgiveness would be paramount.

Fidya and making up fasts (qada):

The relationship between Fidya and Qada (making up fasts) is crucial. Qada is the primary obligation for anyone who misses fasts due to temporary reasons and has the ability to make them up later. This includes temporary illness, travel, or for women after menstruation or postnatal bleeding. Fidya only becomes applicable if one is permanently unable to perform Qada, for reasons such as chronic illness or advanced age. If a person is able to make up the fasts, they must do so, and Fidya is not a substitute.

Where to donate Fidya online?

Fidya can be paid through various reputable Islamic charity organizations and mosques, both online and offline. Many charitable websites offer dedicated portals for Fidya payments, allowing for easy and secure transactions. Look for organizations that have a proven track record of transparency and direct aid to the needy. Offline, local mosques and Islamic centers often facilitate Fidya collection and distribution within their communities or through their established aid networks. islamicDnate.com Always ensure the organization you choose is trustworthy and uses the funds appropriately.

Can Fidya be given to family members?

Generally, Fidya is intended for the general poor and needy outside of one’s immediate family dependents. If a family member is genuinely poor and falls within the categories of eligibility for Zakat (which Fidya is akin to), and they are not someone you are already obligated to financially support (like a spouse, children, or parents), then it might be permissible, depending on specific Islamic jurisprudence. However, it is always safer and often preferred to give Fidya to the wider community of the poor and needy to ensure its proper distribution and avoid potential conflicts of interest or obligations. Consult a local scholar for specific guidance on your unique situation.

Who can receive Fidya charity?

Fidya is a form of charity that is specifically designated for the poor and needy, and not for general distribution. Islamic scholars widely agree that those eligible to receive Fidya are largely the same categories of people who are entitled to receive Zakat, another obligatory annual charity in Islam. These categories encompass a broad spectrum of individuals and causes requiring assistance. The poor are individuals who lack sufficient income or assets to meet their most basic necessities of life. The needy possess some income or assets, but these are still insufficient to cover their essential needs. Debtors who are burdened by debts they cannot repay are also eligible. Wayfarers, which include travelers or refugees who find themselves stranded or in urgent need of assistance, can also receive Fidya. Converts to Islam who require support and guidance as they embark on their new faith journey are also included. Workers who are employed in the collection and distribution of Fidya or Zakat are permitted to receive a portion for their efforts. Furthermore, funds can be allocated to the cause of Allah (SWT), which encompasses any righteous or charitable endeavor that benefits the Muslim community or humanity at large. Finally, captives, such as prisoners of war or individuals who are enslaved and require ransom or assistance for liberation, are also among the recipients. This comprehensive framework ensures that Fidya reaches those who are truly most deserving and can benefit significantly from this aid.

We sincerely hope this comprehensive article has provided you with a clear and detailed understanding of what Fidya is and how to fulfill this important religious obligation. Fidya stands as a remarkable provision in Islam, offering a way for individuals to uphold their spiritual commitment to fasting during Ramadan, even when physical challenges prevent their active participation. Beyond its compensatory aspect, Fidya is a powerful means of extending kindness and tangible aid to the poor and needy, who are undeniably among the most deserving recipients of your charitable contributions. By giving Fidya, you not only fulfill a divine command but also open doors to immense rewards and blessings from Allah (SWT), who deeply cherishes and rewards those who give generously in His path.

May Allah (SWT) graciously accept your Fidya, your sincere intentions, and all your acts of worship. May He grant you and your loved ones a blessed, peaceful, and spiritually enriching Ramadan. Ameen.