
Fasting during the holy month of Ramadan is one of the Five Pillars of Islam, a sacred obligation for every able Muslim. However, there are situations where fasting may not be possible due to health, age, or other valid reasons. In these scenarios, Islam provides a compassionate alternative: Fidya. We will explore the meaning, importance, and calculation of Fidya 2025, to help you fulfill this religious duty with clarity and sincerity, Insha’Allah.
Fidya (also spelled Fidyah) is a form of charity paid by Muslims who are unable to fast the month of Ramadan due to valid reasons such as chronic illness, old age, or other conditions that prevent them from fasting. The Qur’an mentions this provision in Surah Al-Baqarah:
“Fasting is for a fixed number of days, and if one of you is ill or on a journey, you will fast the same number of other days later on. For those who are capable of fasting (but still do not fast), there is a redemption: feeding a needy person for each day missed. Whoever voluntarily does more good than is required will find it better for him; and that you should fast is better for you, if you only know.” –[2:184].
Fidya is not just a financial transaction; it is a deep display of Ibadah that ensures those who cannot fast still contribute to the well-being of the poor and needy.
Fidya holds immense significance in Islam for several reasons:
Fulfilling a Divine Commandment: Fasting during Ramadan is a direct command from Allahﷻ. Fidya ensures that those who cannot fast for valid reasons can still fulfill their religious obligation in a meaningful way that pleases our Lord.
Compassion and Social Responsibility: Fidya emphasises the key Islamic principle of caring for the less fortunate. By feeding the needy, Muslims who cannot fast still help fight against hunger and poverty.
Spiritual Connection: Paying Fidya keeps us connected to the spirit of Ramadan, even if we are unable to fast. It reminds us of the blessings of health and the importance of gratitude.
Global Impact: With over 800 million people suffering from hunger worldwide, Fidya donations provide immediate relief to the most vulnerable communities, especially during Ramadan.
The ruling on who pays Fidya varies slightly among Islamic schools of thought:
Hanafi School: Fidya is only obligatory for individuals who are unable to fast due to chronic illness or old age, have no hope of regaining the ability to fast in the future, or cannot make up the missed fasts at any other time. Temporary conditions such as pregnancy, nursing, or short-term illness do not qualify for Fidya in the Hanafi school, as these individuals are expected to make up the missed fasts later.
Shafi’i and Hanbali Schools: Fidya is compulsory for those who cannot fast due to permanent illness or old age. Additionally, if someone misses a fast and fails to make it up before the next Ramadan, they must pay Fidya in addition to making up the missed fasts.
Maliki School: Paying Fidya is recommended but not mandatory for those unable to fast.
It is essential to consult a verified Islamic Scholar to determine your specific obligations based on individual circumstances and school of thought.
The amount of Fidya is calculated based on the cost of providing two meals for one person, or one meal for two people. The standard rate for Fidya in 2026 is £5 per missed fast. This means:
One fast missed = £5
Thirty fasts missed = £150
Paying Fidya must be done with sincere intention (Niyyah) to fulfill your religious duty. Here’s how you can pay Fidya:
Calculate Your Fidya: Use a Fidya calculator to determine the total amount based on the number of missed fasts.
Donate to a Reputable Organisation: Organisations like One Ummah ensure that your fidya for fasting UK reaches those who need it most.
Timing of Payment: Scholars differ on when Fidya should be paid. Some recommend paying daily after breaking each fast, while others suggest a lump sum at the end of Ramadan. The Hanafi school allows payment at the beginning or end of Ramadan.
While both Fidya and Kaffarah are forms of compensation for missed fasts, they serve different purposes:
Fidya: Paid by those who cannot fast due to valid reasons (e.g., chronic illness, old age, pregnancy) and cannot make up the fasts later. The amount is equivalent to feeding one person per missed fast.
Kaffarah: Paid by those who deliberately break a fast without a valid reason. The compensation is significantly higher, equivalent to feeding 60 people per missed fast.
Fidya is specifically intended for the poor and needy, similar to Zakat. It should not be given to just anyone but rather to those who qualify as recipients of Zakat. This ensures that your donation has the maximum impact on those who need it most.
One Ummah plays a vital role in distributing your Fidya donations to those in need. During Ramadan, your contributions are used to:
Provide food parcels to vulnerable families.
Support communities affected by disasters or poverty.
Ensure that struggling families can observe Ramadan without the burden of hunger.
Fidya Meaning: A charitable compensation for missed fasts due to valid reasons.
Fidya Amount 2026 UK Rate: £5 per missed fast in the UK.
Eligibility: Chronic illness, old age, or conditions preventing future fasting.
Impact: Provides meals for the poor and needy, fostering social responsibility.
Fidya is a beautiful example of the mercy and compassion of Allahﷻ. It ensures that no Muslim is left out of the blessings of Ramadan, even if they cannot fast. By paying Fidya, you not only fulfill a religious duty but also feed those in need.
Jazakum Allah Khayr for visiting One Ummah’s fidya (fidyah) Appeal page. Millions worldwide need urgent help, but we can’t help them without your support. Please donate now and save lives today.

Donate Fidya (1 Day)
£5.00

Donate Fidya (10 Days)
£50.00

Donate Fidya (30 Days)
£150.00
Millions of people around the world are suffering daily from drought, famine, diseases, starvation and malnutrition. One Ummah are working in 19 calamity-stricken countries delivering food, water, medicine, shelter, education and more, whilst also building masajid, schools, orphanages and water sanitation projects. Your donations save lives. Choose an appeal and save a life today.

