During Ramadan, Muslims are obligated to fast from dawn to sunset. But what happens when someone cannot fast due to illness, old age, or pregnancy? And what about those who deliberately break their fast? Islam provides two different compensatory mechanisms: Fidyah and Kaffarah.
| Feature | Fidyah | Kaffarah |
|---|---|---|
| What is it? | Compensation for unable to fast | Penalty for deliberately breaking fast |
| When? | Chronic illness, old age, pregnancy | Intentionally eating/drinking during fast without valid reason |
| Amount | Feed one poor person per missed day | Fast 60 consecutive days OR feed 60 poor people |
| Cost estimate | ~$10-15 per day (2026) | ~$600-900 (feeding 60 people) |
| Make-up fasting? | No (if permanently unable) | Yes — 60 consecutive days if able |
Fidyah applies when a Muslim has a legitimate, long-term excuse for not fasting and cannot make up the missed days later. This includes elderly persons too frail to fast, people with chronic illnesses that make fasting harmful, pregnant or breastfeeding women (in some scholarly opinions), and people with conditions that require regular medication with food.
The amount of Fidyah is one meal for one poor person for each day of fasting missed. In 2026, this is estimated at $10-15 USD per day, depending on the cost of a typical meal in your area. For the entire month of Ramadan (30 days), the total Fidyah would be approximately $300-450.
Kaffarah is a much more serious penalty that applies when a Muslim intentionally breaks their Ramadan fast without a valid excuse. The three options for Kaffarah, in order of priority, are: free a slave (no longer applicable in modern times), fast for 60 consecutive days (if unable to free a slave), or feed 60 poor people (if unable to fast 60 days).
Kaffarah applies per incident. If someone deliberately breaks their fast on multiple days, scholars differ on whether a separate Kaffarah is required for each day or one Kaffarah covers all incidents within the same Ramadan.
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Fidyah is approximately $10-15 USD per missed day of fasting (the cost of feeding one poor person one meal). For the full month of Ramadan, this totals roughly $300-450.
Fidyah is compensation for those who cannot fast due to legitimate reasons like chronic illness or old age. Kaffarah is a much heavier penalty for deliberately breaking the fast without a valid excuse.
No. If your illness is temporary, you make up the missed days by fasting after Ramadan (Qada). Fidyah is only for those who permanently cannot fast.
No. If you eat or drink by genuine forgetfulness during a Ramadan fast, your fast remains valid. Simply stop eating/drinking when you remember and continue your fast.
Feeding 60 poor people is the alternative to fasting 60 consecutive days. However, most scholars say you should attempt the 60-day fast first if you are physically able. The monetary option is for those genuinely unable to fast.
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