In this blog, we will talk about Fidya and Kaffarah in simple words. Many people feel confused about the difference between them. Today, we will explain both clearly.
Fasting is one of the second pillars of Islam, and it is compulsory for every adult Muslim man and woman. Fasting means staying away from food and drink from dawn till sunset for the sake of Allah(S.W.A). The main purpose of fasting is to build taqwa (piety).
Allah(S.W.A) says in the Quran:
يَا أَيُّهَا الَّذِينَ آمَنُوا كُتِبَ عَلَيْكُمُ الصِّيَامُ كَمَا كُتِبَ عَلَى الَّذِينَ مِنْ قَبْلِكُمْ لَعَلَّكُمْ تَتَّقُونَ
“O believers! Fasting has been made compulsory for you, just as it was for those before you, so that you may become righteous.”
Fasting is not only about feeling hungry or thirsty. It also teaches us to stay away from lying, backbiting, bad language, and bad behaviour. It helps us improve our character.
Hazrat Abu Hurairah (R.A) narrated that Prophet Muhammad (P.B.U.H) said:
“If a person does not give up lying and bad actions, Allah(S.W.A) does not need him to give up food and drink.”
Fasting is an important act of worship, but Allah(S.W.A) has made things easier for certain people. Those who are sick, pregnant women, breastfeeding mothers, or travelling are allowed to miss their fasts. They must make them up later. If someone’s health does not improve, then they should give Fidya. However, if someone breaks a fast on purpose, they must give Kaffarah.
What is fidya, and how to Pay It
We know that fasting (Roza) is obligatory for every adult Muslim. However, if you are seriously ill or your doctor advises that fasting could harm your health, you are allowed to skip your fast. In such a case, you must pay Fidya.
Fidya is given to a poor or needy person to provide them with two meals a day, or you can give an amount equivalent to two meals. There is no fixed amount for Fidya. For 2026 in the UK, it is approximately £6 per missed fast, but this amount may change every year.
This amount is for one missed fast only. If you miss multiple days, you calculate the total accordingly. For example, if you need to Fidya for the whole month of Ramadan (30 days), it would be approximately £180 (£6 × 30).
Fidya must be paid only when you are truly unable to fast due to a valid reason, and not just because you choose not to fast.
What is Kaffarah? When and How to Give It
Kaffarah comes from the word “Kafar”, which means to cover or atone. It is a form of atonement or making up for a sin, but it is also a way to seek forgiveness from Allah(S.W.A). Many people confuse Fidya and Kaffarah, but they are different. We have already explained Fidya; now let’s learn about Kaffarah.
Kaffarah is obligatory when a person deliberately breaks a fast before Iftar without a valid reason. In this case, Kaffarah must be paid; there is no other option.Allah(S.W.A) is Most Merciful and forgives those who repent.
The Prophet Muhammad (P.B.U.H) said:
“Every son of Adam sins, and the best of those who sin are those who repent.”
Breaking a fast intentionally is a major sin, but Allah(S.W.A) gives Muslims a chance to make up for it through Kaffarah.
Kaffarah is not only for breaking a fast. It can also apply if someone breaks a vow or lies after making a promise. In all these cases, Kaffarah must be given as a way to seek forgiveness and make amends.
How to Pay Kaffarah for Broken Fasts
Kaffarah must be paid for each day of fasting that was deliberately broken. This means the number of days you intentionally skipped determines the amount of Kaffarah you need to pay.
To pay Kaffarah, you can choose one of the following methods:
- Fast for 60 consecutive days – you cannot skip any day in between. If you miss a day, you must start over.
- Feed 60 needy people – provide them with two meals each, or give the equivalent amount of money.
The amount of money used for Kaffarah is the same as the Fidya amount, but multiplied by 60 (to cover 60 people).
Final Note!
In both cases, you must also make Qaza (make up the missed fasts). Kaffarah does not replace the missed fasts; it is in addition to Qaza. Both Fidya and Kaffarah hold an important place in Islamic worship. To truly understand the essence of fasting, it is very important to know the difference between them.
We hope that through this blog by Umrah Xpress, you now have a clear understanding of the differences. May Allah allow you to fast in Ramadan 2026, give you the ability to act upon it, and accept our worship. Ameen.
