One Ummah News - 18 Nov 2025
In Islam, the holy month of Ramadan is a time of spiritual reflection, self-discipline, and devotion to Allahﷻ. Fasting during this month is one of the Five Pillars of Islam, a sacred obligation for every able Muslim. However, intentionally breaking a fast without a valid reason is a serious matter that requires atonement. This atonement is known as Kaffarah. This article explores the meaning, significance, and calculation of Kaffarah, providing clarity on how to fulfill this important religious duty.
Kaffarah (also spelled Kaffara) is a form of charitable compensation required when a Muslim intentionally breaks a fast during Ramadan without a valid reason. The word "Kaffarah" comes from the Arabic root "k-f-r," which means to cover or compensate. It serves as a means of seeking forgiveness from Allahﷻ and rectifying the intentional breaking of the fast.
The Qur’an and Hadith constantly emphasise the importance of fulfilling our religious obligations. Intentionally breaking a fast without a valid reason is considered a violation of this Amanah (trust), and Kaffarah is the means through which we atone for this sin.
Kaffarah holds immense spiritual and moral significance in Islam:
Seeking Forgiveness: Kaffarah is a way to seek Allah’sﷻ mercy and forgiveness for intentionally breaking a fast during the month of Ramadan. It demonstrates sincere repentance and a commitment to rectifying one’s mistakes.
Reinforcing Accountability: Islam places great emphasis on personal accountability. Kaffarah serves as a reminder of the seriousness of breaking a religious obligation, and the need to make amends.
Helping the Needy: The act of feeding 60 poor people for each missed fast, if you are unable to fast 60 days consecutively, ensures that the compensation benefits those in need, aligning with Islam’s principles of social justice and responsibility.
Spiritual Growth: By fulfilling Kaffarah, Muslims reaffirm their commitment to Allah’sﷻ commandments and strengthen their Emaan.
The compensation for intentionally breaking a fast during the blessed month of Ramadan is significant in Islam. This reflects the gravity of disobeying Allah’sﷻ command during this holy time. There are two ways to fulfill your Kaffarah:
Fasting for 60 Consecutive Days: If you are physically able, you must fast for 60 consecutive days. If you miss a day during this period, you must start over.
Feeding 60 Poor People: If you are unable to fast for 60 days, you must feed 60 poor people. In the UK, the cost of feeding one person is approximately £5, which means the total Kaffarah for one intentionally broken fast is £300.
This amount ensures that 60 people in need receive a meal.
To calculate your Kaffarah obligation, follow these steps:
For example:
1 intentionally broken fast = 60 x £5 = £300
3 intentionally broken fasts = (60 x £5) x 3 = £900
After using the guidelines above to determine the total amount, donate to a reputable organisation such as One Ummah, ensuring your Kaffarah reaches those in need. Ensure your payment is made solely for the sake of Allahﷻ, and as a means of seeking his forgiveness.
Always consult a local scholar or Islamic authority to confirm the exact amount based on your location and circumstances.
Kaffarah can be paid at any time throughout the year, but it is recommended to fulfill this obligation as soon as possible to seek Allah’sﷻ forgiveness without delay. Procrastination in fulfilling religious duties is discouraged in Islam, as it often leads to negligence.
While both Kaffarah and Fidya are forms of compensation for missed fasts, they serve different purposes:
Kaffarah: Paid for intentionally breaking a fast without a valid reason. The compensation is significantly higher, equivalent to feeding 60 people.
Fidya: Paid by those who cannot fast due to valid reasons (e.g., chronic illness, old age) and cannot make up the fasts later. The amount is equivalent to feeding one person per missed fast.
Understanding the difference is extremely important in ensuring the correct fulfillment of your obligations.
In addition to compensating for broken fasts, Kaffarah is also required for breaking a promise or oath in Islam. The compensation for breaking a promise is less severe but still significant:
Feed 10 Poor People: The compensation for breaking a promise is equivalent to feeding 10 poor people. At £5 per person, this comes to £50.
Seek Forgiveness: Alongside the payment, it is essential to sincerely seek Allah’sﷻ forgiveness and make a firm intention not to break promises in the future.
This form of Kaffarah reinforces the importance of honesty and integrity in Islam.
Kaffarah Meaning: A charitable compensation for intentionally breaking a fast or promise.
Kaffarah 2025 Rate: £300 per intentionally broken fast in the UK.
Eligibility: Required for those who intentionally break a fast without a valid reason.
Impact: Each Kaffarah per broken fast provides meals for 60 people in need.
Kaffarah is not only a strong reminder of the importance of fulfilling our religious obligations, but the consequences of neglecting them.
May Allahﷻ accept your efforts, forgive your shortcomings, and grant you the full rewards of this blessed month. Ameen.