Fidyah
Fidyah is a religious compensation paid by Muslims who have missed fasts in Ramadan due to valid reasons and are unable to replace them. Your contributions provide food and sustenance to the poor.
Last updated 16 February 2026
Do I need to pay fidyah or replace my fast (qadha')?
Select the scenario below that best matches your situation to find out your obligations.
I have a permanent condition (Pay Fidyah only)
Who this applies to:
- Those with critical illnesses with slim hopes of recovery
- The elderly who are too weak to fast
Obligation: You must pay Fidyah. You do not need to replace the fast.
I have a temporary condition (Replace fast or Qadha' only)
Who this applies to:
- Those who were sick but recovered
- Travellers (musafir) who journeyed a distance that exceeds two marhala
- Women who were in a state of haid (menstruation) or nifas
Obligation: You must replace the missed days of fasting (Qadha’). No Fidyah payment is required.
I am a mother worried for my child / I have overdue fasts (Pay Fidyah and Qadha')
Who this applies to:
- Expectant/nursing mothers who broke fast fearing for their child’s well-being
- Those who did not replace missed fasts from a previous Ramadan before the next one arrives
Obligation: You must pay Fidyah AND replace the fast.
| Scenario | Action Required |
|---|---|
|
Old Age / Critical Illness |
Pay Fidyah only |
|
Temporary Illness / Musafir |
Replace fast (Qadha’ only) |
|
Pregnancy / Nursing Mother (Worry for Self) |
Replace fast (Qadha’ only) |
|
Pregnancy / Nursing Mother (Worry for Child) |
Pay Fidyah + Replace Fast |
Note on compounding of Fidyah payments
Although the Shafi’i Mazhab stipulates that the amount of fidyah increases with each year that the person does not pay, if you are unable to pay the amount of the cumulative fidyah, you are able to follow the opinion of other scholars who are of the view that the amount of fidyah each year is fixed.
Ready to fulfill your Fidyah?
The act of paying Fidyah not only fulfills your religious responsibility but also benefits the less fortunate by providing essential food and sustenance.
Fasting Qadha' Guide
The ruling on repaying (qadha’) missed fast in Ramadhan falls under 3 categories:
WAJIB QADHA’
Compulsory repayment of fast
- Those who are ill and whose illness may worsen or the healing process may be delayed if one fasts.
- Pregnant women or those who are breastfeeding and are worried of their own well-being.
- Those who are travellers (musafir) journeying a distance that exceeds two marhala (approximately 82km – 89km).
- Those in a state of nifas or haid.
- Those who are too hungry or thirsty to the extent that it may harm them.
- Those who’s fast was invalidated by one of the conditions that invalidate fast.
WAJIB FIDYAH
Compulsory Fidyah payment but no obligation to repay fast
- Those in a state of critical illness, unable to fast and whose hopes of healing are very slim.
- Those who are very weak and unable to fast due old age.
WAJIB QADHA’
AND FIDYAH
Compulsory repayment of fast
AND payment of Fidyah
- Pregnant women or those who are breastfeeding and are worried of the child’s well-being.
- Those who have not repaid their fast from the previous Ramadan until the next Ramadan arrives.
Fidyah is a religious obligation
The act of paying Fidyah not only allows a Muslim to fulfil their responsibility
but also benefits the less fortunate, fostering compassion and community well-being.