Fidyah in Islam: A Mercy and Facilitation

What is Fidyah?

Fidyah (Also called Ramadan Fidya) is a mercy from Allah that allows a Muslim to make up for missed or incomplete acts of worship by giving a set form of compensation, such as fasting due to a valid excuse like chronic illness or old age. It also applies during Umrah or Hajj if a person breaks certain ihram restrictions, such as shaving the head due to illness. In such cases, Fidyah can be fulfilled by fasting, feeding the poor, or offering a sacrifice. This ruling reflects Allah’s mercy and provides an alternative form of devotion in line with Prophetic guidance.

Types of Fidyah and their rulings

1. Fidyah for inability to fast

This applies to;

• Elderly men and women who are unable to fast. 
• Those with chronic, non-curable illnesses. 
• Pregnant or breastfeeding women who fear harm to themselves or their child. 

 Scholarly opinions:

• Opinion 1: Fidyah (feeding one poor person per day) is obligatory for all cases mentioned; no makeup fasting is required. 
• Opinion 2: Pregnant and breastfeeding women must make up the missed fasts; the elderly are only required to pay Fidyah. 
• Opinion 3: If the mother broke her fast out of fear for her child, both Fidyah and makeup fasting are required. 

2. Fidyah for Delaying Missed Fasts until the Next Ramadan

If someone delays making up missed fasts until another Ramadan begins (without a valid excuse):

• Majority of scholars (Maliki, Shafi’i, Hanbali): 
  They must make up the fast and pay fidyah for each day missed. 
• Hanafi school and scholars like Ibn ‘Uthaymeen: 
  Fidyah is not required; only making up the fast is necessary. 

 Note: Delaying fasts without excuse is sinful by consensus; one should repent and seek forgiveness alongside making up the fast. 

Amount of Fidyah for missed fast

One of the most frequently asked questions is ‘how much is Fidyah for missed fasts?’.

It was narrated by Al-Bukhari (in a suspended form and connected by others) that Anas ibn Malik (may Allah be pleased with him), when he became old one or two years before his death would break his fast and feed a poor person each day with bread and meat. 

Can Fidyah be paid in cash instead of food?

• Majority (Maliki, Shafi’i, Hanbali): No, it must be in the form of food. 
• Abu Hanifa, Al-Awazi and Ibn Taymiyyah: Yes, monetary payment is allowed.

3. Fidyah for violating Ihram restrictions (During Hajj or Umrah)

This includes acts like shaving the head, trimming nails, wearing stitched clothing, covering the head, etc. 

 Evidence: 

"...then he must offer a ransom: fasting, or charity, or sacrifice..."  [Surah Al-Baqarah, 2:196] 

Hadith: The Prophet ﷺ told Ka’b ibn ‘Ujrah: 

“Fast three days, or feed six poor people half a sā‘ (approx. 1.5 kg) each—or offer a sheep in sacrifice.” [Al-Bukhari] 

Options for Fidyah: 

• Sacrifice of a sheep. 
• Fasting three days. 
• Feeding six poor or needy people 

Does Fidyah have to be paid in Makkah?

• Shafi’i and Hanbali: Yes, if the violation happened within the sacred area. 
• Maliki and Hanafi: No, may be given wherever there is need. 

Preferred Opinion: 
Fidyah can be distributed in any place with clear need, especially if the violation occurred outside the Haram.

Fidyah Calculation

A common concern, therefore, is how to determine the exact amount required to pay Fidyah. Many Islamic organisations provide online tools for Fidyah calculation, helping Muslims worldwide determine the right contribution. Those wondering how much to pay for missed fasting days, should always check with trusted religious sources or use an updated Fidyah calculator like of NZF, to ensure they are paying the correct amount. Overestimating is always encouraged, as it’s a blessing for both the giver and the receiver. NZF Fidyah calculator, is simple and user-friendly. You only need to enter the number of fasting days that were missed in Ramadan, and the tool will automatically calculate the total due based on current years’ rate for feeding a person in need. This method ensures that the payment remains fair and aligned with Islamic principles.  

You can also pay Fidyah online on behalf of someone (like an aged parent, disabled child etc) using the NZF Australia Fidyah payment widget. 

Can Fidyah be transferred to another country?

• Original Ruling: Fidyah should be spent in the country where it became due. 
• Permissible Transfer: Allowed when there is a greater need elsewhere (e.g., disaster or famine-affected areas). 

Summary

Fidyah is a mercy from Allah for those who cannot fast due to illness, age, or other valid reasons. Instead of fasting, they can feed poor people to make up for the missed fasts. Fidyah also applies during Hajj and Umrah if someone breaks certain rules, like cutting hair or nails early they can either fast, feed the poor, or offer a sacrifice. This shows how Islam makes worship easier while helping those in need. Fidyah connects us to Allah and strengthens our care for the community.