Islamic giving
Fidya and Kaffarah: missed and broken fasts
Fidya is feeding a poor person for each fast you cannot make up. Kaffarah is a heavier penalty for deliberately breaking a fast or an oath.
Fidya is feeding one poor person for every fast you miss when you cannot fast and cannot make it up, such as for old age or long-term illness. Kaffarah is a penalty for deliberately breaking a Ramadan fast or an oath. For a temporary reason, you simply make up the fast later.
What is Fidya?
Fidya means “ransom” or “compensation”. It is the act of feeding a poor person for each day of fasting you cannot do. The Qur’an mentions it in 2:184.
It is meant for people who have a lasting reason that stops them from fasting. Fidya is a way to take part in Ramadan by feeding others.
Who should pay Fidya?
Fidya is for people who cannot fast and have no hope of being able to fast later.
- Elderly people who are too weak to fast.
- People with a long-term illness that is not expected to improve.
If you are able to make up the fasts later, you do not pay Fidya. You make them up instead. Pregnant and breastfeeding women have different rulings between scholars, so ask your local scholar.
What if I miss fasts for a short time, such as an illness or travel?
You make up the missed days after Ramadan. This is called Qada. You do not pay money. The Qur’an, in 2:184-185, allows the sick and travellers to fast the same number of days later.
Try to complete the missed days before the next Ramadan. If you delay without a valid reason, scholars differ on whether anything more is needed, so ask your local scholar. For the basics, see Sawm: fasting in Islam.
How much is Fidya?
Fidya is the cost of feeding one poor person for each missed day. Scholars explain the amount in different ways. Many charities announce a yearly cash amount in shillings, based on the cost of a meal or the staple food.
Do not guess the amount. Check the current figure from Islamic Relief Kenya, your mosque or your local scholar. If you owe 30 days, pay for 30 people-days.
You may give it as food or its value, and you can pay in one go or in parts. Some scholars allow paying the whole Fidya at the beginning or end of Ramadan, so ask your local scholar.
What is Kaffarah?
Kaffarah means “expiation”, a way to make up for a serious wrong. There are two main kinds in everyday life.
| Term | When it applies | What to do | Examples |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fidya | You cannot fast, and are not expected to be able to later | Feed one poor person for each missed day | Elderly person, or someone with a long-term illness |
| Qada (making up) | You miss fasts for a temporary reason | Fast the same number of days later, no payment | Short illness, travel, monthly cycle |
| Kaffarah (for a broken fast) | You deliberately broke a Ramadan fast by sexual intercourse in the day | Fast 60 days in a row, or free a slave, or feed 60 poor people (view of most scholars) | Deliberate and serious breaking of a Ramadan fast |
| Kaffarah (for a broken oath) | You broke an oath made in Allah’s name | Feed or clothe 10 poor people, or free a slave; if unable, fast 3 days | Breaking a promise sworn by Allah |
Rulings on eating or drinking on purpose during Ramadan differ between the schools of thought. Many scholars require the same penalty and others require only making up the fast. Ask your local scholar.
What is the Kaffarah for breaking an oath?
If you swear by Allah to do something and then break your oath, you must pay a Kaffarah. The Qur’an in 5:89 gives the options.
- Feed ten poor people an average meal, as you feed your family.
- Or clothe ten poor people.
- Or free a slave. This is not possible today.
- If you cannot do any of these, fast three days.
Who receives Fidya and Kaffarah?
They go to the poor and the needy, the same people who can receive Zakat.. See Who can receive Zakat?.
Fidya and Kaffarah are not Zakat and not Sadaqah. Pay them with the correct intention.
How can I pay Fidya in Kenya?
You can feed poor people yourself, or give through a trusted organisation. Check the Islamic Relief Kenya donation page for current options. You can pay by card or M-Pesa, or use Lipa na M-Pesa PayBill 949210 with the right fund name as the account.
Islamic Relief Kenya is registered with the Kenya NGO Board (Reg. No. 218/051/204/0374/3386). For more on giving, read Zakat in Kenya.
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Check our donation page for Fidya and food support options. Pay by M-Pesa or card.
Give nowFrequently asked questions
What is Fidya?
Fidya is feeding one poor person for each day of fasting you cannot make up, for example because of old age or a long-term illness. It is mentioned in Qur’an 2:184.
Who must pay Fidya?
People who cannot fast and cannot make up the fasts later, such as the elderly or those with a long-term illness. Those who can fast later should make up the days instead.
How much is Fidya per day?
Fidya is the cost of feeding one poor person for each missed day. The cash amount is announced every year by charities and scholars, so check the current amount before paying.
What is Kaffarah?
Kaffarah is a penalty to make up for a serious wrong. For deliberately breaking a Ramadan fast by sexual intercourse, it is fasting 60 days in a row, or feeding 60 poor people. For a broken oath, it is feeding 10 people.
What is the difference between Fidya and Kaffarah?
Fidya is for those who cannot fast. Kaffarah is a penalty for a serious wrong, such as deliberately breaking a fast. Fidya is per missed day, while Kaffarah is a larger set penalty.
Do I pay Fidya or make up a missed fast?
If your reason is temporary, such as short illness or travel, make up the days later. Pay Fidya only if you cannot fast and cannot make up the days later.
Can I pay Fidya in money?
Many scholars allow the cash value of the food. Others prefer giving food. Cash helps a poor family choose what they need. Follow your local scholar and check the current amount.
What if I broke my oath?
Pay the Kaffarah for a broken oath: feed ten poor people, clothe them, or free a slave. If you cannot do any, fast three days. This comes from Qur’an 5:89.
Can I pay Fidya for a person who died with missed fasts?
Many scholars say a family member can fast on their behalf or give Fidya from their estate. Views differ, so ask your local scholar for the correct step.
Rules on this page are widely agreed. Where scholars differ, ask your local scholar or imam. Last reviewed 2 October 2026.
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Give your Zakat or Sadaqah in Kenya shillings by M-Pesa or card. M-Pesa PayBill 949210.