Expiation for breaking the fast in Ramadan
The blessed month of Ramadan is a month of forgiveness and mercy, in which Allah Almighty grants His servants the opportunity to turn away from sin through expiations and fidyah that erase sins when accompanied by sincere intention for the sake of Allah and true repentance.
This makes Ramadan an irreplaceable opportunity to purify souls and renew faith in Allah Almighty. Therefore, in today’s article, we present the difference between fidyah and kaffarah, along with the most important information regarding the amount and conditions of each, and how to rely on Al-Wafaa Association as an effective and trustworthy organization through which fidyah can be delivered to the needy and those affected by wars.
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Fidyah for Fasting
Fidyah for fasting is a legal compensation that involves feeding a poor person when a Muslim is unable to fast during the month of Ramadan due to a valid excuse such as old age, pregnancy, or a chronic illness. The fidyah may be given as a daily meal or its monetary value to the poor person.
Amount of Fidyah for Fasting
The amount of fidyah for fasting is half a sa‘ of food, approximately 750 grams, such as rice, wheat, dates, or similar staples. This amount is sufficient for two meals for the fasting person for each missed day on average.
It is also permissible to give fidyah in cash equivalent to the cost of a moderate meal, which varies from one country to another.
It is worth noting that the poor person may be given the choice between food or cash, depending on what best suits their needs and what is commonly accepted in the country.
Time of Giving Fidyah for Fasting
Fidyah may be given each day during the month of Ramadan after dawn or at night. It is permissible to give the fidyah at the beginning or the end of the blessed month.
However, the preferred method is to give it day by day, provided it is after the start of Ramadan and not before.
Difference Between Fidyah and Kaffarah
Fidyah is what is given when one is unable to fast the days of Ramadan due to a valid religious reason, and it involves feeding one poor person for each day with an amount equal to a sa‘ from the staple food of the country.
Kaffarah, on the other hand, is a compensation given as a result of committing a prohibited act, serving as an expiation for a sin committed without a valid excuse. Kaffarah is an opportunity for repentance and returning to Allah.
Difference Between Fidyah and Kaffarah in Terms of Amount
Amount of fidyah for fasting: half a sa‘ from the staple food of the country such as rice, wheat, or dates.
Amount of kaffarah for fasting: freeing a believing slave; if not possible, fasting two consecutive months; and if unable, feeding sixty poor people.
Difference Between Fidyah and Kaffarah in Terms of Cause
The cause of fidyah is the inability to fast the days of Ramadan due to a chronic illness with no hope of recovery, pregnancy, breastfeeding, or old age.
The cause of kaffarah is deliberately committing a sin such as intentionally eating or drinking, or having marital relations during the daytime in Ramadan.
Amount of Fidyah for Fasting
The amount of fidyah for fasting is feeding one poor person for each day of Ramadan by providing a good and filling meal such as bread, meat, and rice.
Ibn Abbas (may Allah be pleased with him) said: If an elderly person is unable to fast, he should feed one poor person for each day.
Amount of Fidyah in Terms of Weight
The weight of fidyah food is half a sa‘, which is approximately 1.5 kilograms or about two-thirds of a kilogram per poor person.
The person giving fidyah may also prepare the food in the specified amount and invite the poor to eat it.
Al-Bukhari said: As for the elderly person who cannot fast, Anas fed one poor person each day with bread and meat for a year or two after he grew old, and he did not fast.
Fidyah for Fasting in Cash
Paying fidyah for fasting in cash is permissible if cash is more beneficial for the poor person. It is also allowed in cases of necessity or lack of food availability, although the الأصل is feeding one poor person.
It is worth noting that the cash value of fidyah varies by country due to differences in meal prices. As an estimate, it is a minimum of 30 Egyptian pounds in Egypt, 30 Algerian dinars in Algeria, and 12 Saudi riyals in Saudi Arabia.
How to Pay Fidyah for Fasting in Cash
You can pay fidyah in cash by following these steps:
First, determine the average cost of a meal for a poor person.
You may then give the fidyah directly to the poor person or rely on trusted charitable organizations to deliver it, such as Al-Wafaa Humanitarian Association, which is considered one of the most effective organizations with an experienced and active team.
Condition for Paying Fidyah in Case of Illness
The condition for paying fidyah in the case of illness is that the person suffers from a chronic disease that prevents fasting and whose recovery is deemed impossible according to medical reports.
If the illness is temporary and treatable, then fasting should be made up after recovery, and fidyah is not required.
Fidyah may be waived for a sick person in cases of extreme poverty and inability to feed a poor person.
Paying Fidyah for the Sick in Ramadan
Below are the most important details regarding paying fidyah for illness:
The amount of fidyah is a moderate meal for a poor person, equivalent to half a sa‘ of staple food, approximately 1.5 kilograms.
Time of paying fidyah for illness: It may be paid at the beginning or end of Ramadan, and it may be given to one or more poor people.
When Is Fidyah for Fasting Given?
The timing of paying fidyah for those permanently unable to fast due to valid excuses is as follows:
After the start of Ramadan, day by day.
After sunset of the day on which fasting was missed or during the night.
It is permissible to pay fidyah at the beginning of the month, and it may be delayed until the end if given as a lump sum.
Time of Paying Fidyah for Temporary Excuses
Fidyah for a temporary excuse is paid after the excuse ends, and the missed days are made up after Ramadan. Fidyah cannot be divided in this case.
Pay Your Fidyah to the Needy and Poor in Syria and Gaza
Take the initiative today to pay your fidyah to those in dire need in Syria and Gaza, and make it a means to ease the burden of the poor who have endured hardship and hunger due to war and displacement, through the following:
Providing iftar meals for fasting people in Ramadan.
Sponsoring orphans and widows.
Distributing food baskets to the poor and needy.
How to Pay Fidyah to the Needy in Syria and Gaza
You can now pay fidyah for fasting to the poor and needy in Syria and Gaza through Al-Wafaa Humanitarian Association, which ensures that every fidyah reaches its rightful recipients, as it has full knowledge of the affected groups who have lost their homes and livelihoods due to war. All you need to do is determine the fidyah amount, and Al-Wafaa will take care of the rest.
You can also prepare iftar meals for the poor through Al-Wafaa Association, which invites eligible beneficiaries to receive them.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between fidyah and kaffarah?
Kaffarah is related to major violations such as marital relations during the daytime in Ramadan or deliberately eating and drinking. Fidyah, on the other hand, is for those with a permanent valid excuse such as chronic illness, old age, pregnancy, or breastfeeding.
How much is the fidyah for fasting?
The amount of fidyah for fasting is feeding one poor person for each missed day, equivalent to half a sa‘ or approximately 700 grams of staple food such as wheat, rice, or dates.
Is it permissible to delay fidyah until after Ramadan?
Yes, it is permissible to delay fidyah until after Ramadan if there is a valid excuse that prevents timely payment.
Is it permissible to give fidyah in cash?
Yes, it is permissible to give fidyah in cash to ease hardship, provided it equals the value of food for two meals (iftar and suhoor) from the staple food of the country.
Is it permissible to give fidyah in another country?
Yes, it is permissible to give fidyah in another country if Muslims cannot be found in your own country, and trusted charitable organizations may be relied upon to handle this matter.
