Fidya

Like Zakat, Fidya is given to the needy and poor. It can be given directly to eligible individuals or through charitable organizations that collect and distribute money according to the Sharia laws.

The eligibility for receiving Fidya is the same as Zakat ul Mal. The following categories of people can receive Fidya:

• The Poor (Al-Fuqara)
• The Needy (Al-Masakeen)
• Zakat Collectors nominated by an Islamic state
• Newly Converted Muslims (Mu'allafah Quloobuhum)
• Freeing Slaves (Riqab)
• People in Debt (Al-Gharimeen)
• For the Cause of Allah (Fi Sabilillah)
• Travelers (Ibn Al-Sabeel)

Fidya is an allowance reserved for individuals who are medically unfit to fast. It does not apply to people recovering from or experiencing temporary illness or situations in which someone deliberately breaks a fast without a valid reason.

The calculation of Fidya typically involves an amount of money or food equivalent to the cost of feeding a person for each missed day of fasting.

Fidya can be paid before or during Ramadan. However, if not paid, it remains an obligation and should be paid within a person’s lifetime.

Yes, the Quran says: “[Fasting for] a limited number of days. So whoever among you is ill or on a journey [during them] - then an equal number of days [are to be made up]. And upon those who are able [to fast, but with hardship] - a ransom [as substitute] of feeding a poor person [each day]. And whoever volunteers excess - it is better for him. But to fast is best for you, if you only knew.”(Surat Al-Baqarah, 2:184)

No, individuals who deliberately break their fast must pay Kaffarah, not Fidya. Fidya is only for those who cannot fast due to chronic health problems.

No, Fidya is only relevant in cases where the person's medical condition is not recoverable. People experiencing temporary illness must make up for the missed fasts as Qada.

Yes, Fidya is only allowed for people who cannot fast due to their medical condition. Kaffarah is a penance incumbent on individuals who deliberately invalidate their fast without any valid reason.

Yes, Fidya is mandatory for all eligible Muslims.

If an individual's health recovers from a condition that prevents fasting, they must still make up for the missed fasts as Qada. The paid Fidya acts as a form of Sadaqah rather than an exemption in this case.

Yes, Fidya can be given in the form of food. Some people prefer to give money while others opt to provide staple food items to those in need.

While Zakat and Sadaqah are forms of charitable giving, Fidya is specifically related to missed fasts. Zakat is an obligatory form of charity for eligible Muslims, and Sadaqah is a charity given voluntarily out of goodwill.

The Fidya for a missed fast is $6.

The Fidya for 2 missed fasts is $12.

The Fidya for 5 missed fasts is $20.

The Fidya amount is $180 for those who miss all fasts during the month of Ramadan.