When Should You Pay Fidya

What is Fidya in Islam?

Many people wonder, “What is Fidya?”, as there are two kinds of payments to make if a Muslim misses a fast during the holy month – the second being Kaffarah. Fidya is a type of mandatory donation to help the poor when a Muslim cannot observe the fast during the month for a valid reason. This fee must be given to a reputable charity and should equate to feeding one hungry person two meals or feeding two poor people a one-time meal for each day of a missed fast.

Fidya applies to anyone who is outlined in the Quran as exempt from fasting, like someone who is considered too old and/or frail, a pregnant, breastfeeding or menstruating woman, someone travelling, or anyone exempt due to medical reasons. If a Muslim fits into these exemptions, they have a choice of either making up their missed fasts from the month at a later date or paying Fidya. Many who can’t make up the missed fast at a later time will pay Fidya, such as those who are ill or on medication, and the elderly.

Why is Fidya Important?

Paying Fidya is an important act in Islam for those who can’t fast during Ramadan and cannot make up the missed fasts at a later date. This donation is a way for those who are exempt to make it up to Allah (SWT) for the fasts they’ve missed. If a Muslim needs to make a Fidya payment because they can’t fast at a later date for each missed fast during Ramadan, then they must give enough money to give one needy person two meals or two less fortunate people one meal. Doing this allows these believers to carry out their duty and fulfil the holy month correctly, allowing them to spiritually cleanse and earn rewards from Allah (SWT). It lets everyone, no matter their circumstances, partake in the obligations they have for the month and still benefit from it.

Fidya is also important because fasting is a highly valued act of worship. It is one of the five pillars, known as Sawm, and must be done throughout Ramadan. Sawm is a duty for Muslims and an important way to gain closeness to Allah (SWT). It shows Him self-discipline and pleases Him, letting believers purify their hearts and souls. However, Allah (SWT) is understanding and forgiving. He knows that not everybody is able to observe the fast throughout the month for valid reasons, which is why He created the donation for those who have a good reason not to fast. It’s His way of ensuring that all Muslims can gain the multiplied rewards and blessings that Ramadan offers.

When Do You Give Fidya?

So, when do you give Fidya? This payment is made when a Muslim has to unintentionally break their fast during Ramadan for a good reason and can’t make up the days of missed fasts at another time during the year. It’s for those who aren’t expected to be able to carry out the days of missed fasts at a later date or those who aren’t ever going to regain the ability to fast again. This means that if a Muslim can’t fast at any time for a short while during the month for a valid reason, but can resume the fast for the rest of the month or has the health to do it at a later date, they shouldn’t really pay Fidya. Instead, they should make up the missed fast days at another time in the Islamic year.

People who miss out on a few days of fasting or someone who accidentally or deliberately breaks their fast during fasting hours don’t qualify to pay Fidya. It is a donation only made by those who think they won’t be able to make up their missed fasts and who don’t have the health or strength at a later time to do so. It depends on the school of thought as to exactly who should pay Fidya as many vary in opinion. The Hanfi school states that no Fidya should be paid for pregnant or nursing women, as she can make up the fasts at a later date, while the Shafi’is and Hanbalis believe the payment should only be for Muslims who can never fast again in their lifetime, such as those with long-term illness or the elderly

When Should Fidya Be Paid?

It can be difficult to know when to pay Fidya because there isn’t really a set time for the donation to be made. Different schools have different views on the timing of the Fidya payment, so it’s always best to check with your school of thought to pay the donation on time. Some view Fidya as a payment that should be made daily during Ramadan after breaking each fast, while others state it should be one payment at the end of Ramadan. However, other schools, such as the Hanafis, suggest that Muslims can donate the money at the start of the holy month or at the end.

Can Fidya Be Paid After Ramadan?

Fidya can be paid after Ramadan in one sum for many schools of thought. Muslims who miss fasts during the month for a good reason and who can’t make up the missed fasts at another point during the year should calculate the amount of days they didn’t fast for and pay for two meals for the needy for each missed day. They should calculate how much the Fidya payment is for one day of missed fast and then multiply it for however many days they’ve missed or the full month if they’re unable to fast at all. However, some schools state that Fidya should be paid daily after breaking a fast or even pay it at the beginning of the holy month if the believer knows they won’t be able to fast at all.

How to Pay Fidya 2026

To pay Fidya for 2026, you first need to know the cost of a day of missed fast to work out how much you need to donate for each day you’ve missed. This is because the payment price is based on per-day of missed fasts. It is also based on the cost of staple food items to provide two meals to a needy person for each day of missed fast. Because of this, the payment does have the chance to change closer to the day. For 2026, it is expected to be around £6 for each day. So, if you can’t observe the fast for any day during Ramadan (for a valid reason), you would need to pay this fee for the whole 30 days. This means the payment for missing fasts for a good reason in the whole holy month would be around £180.

Once you’ve calculated how much you need to pay for Fidya 2026, you need to find a reputable charitable organisation, such as Community Lighthouse Foundation, and donate this money online to help feed the hungry and save lives.

Pay Fidya in 2026 to CLF

At Community Lighthouse Foundation, we have made it easier than ever to pay Fidya for 2026. We have a quick Fidya donation platform online to feed those who struggle to feed themselves every single day on our Uganda food parcel appeal. All you have to do is work out how much you owe and then pay it as Fidya to us. Our team will distribute your Fidya payment as quickly as possible to feed the starving in Uganda and provide them sustenance to survive. Donate your Fidya in 2026 to fulfil your obligation, earn rewards and help those in desperate need with nutritious meals.