Fidyah and Kaffara


Fidyah and Kaffara are religious donations made in Islam when a fast is missed or broken. The donations can be of food, or money, and it is used to feed those in need. They are mentioned in the Qur'an which distinguishes the two, but unifies them into one idea. Some organizations have online Fidyah and Kaffara options.

Fidyah

Fidyah is a religious donation of money or food made to help those in need. Fidyah is made when someone is ill or of extreme age, cannot fast for the required number of days, and will not be able to make up for the fast. In Ramadan, the Fidyah must be paid for each fast missed. If, however, one misses their fast due to being sick or on a journey, but will be healthy enough to make up for it, they should preferably make up for the fast at a later date, as prescribed in the Qur'an.

Kaffara

Kaffara, is a religious donation of money or food made to help those in need. Kaffara is made when someone deliberately misses a fast or breaks their fast purposefully, such as by having intercourse, or eating.

In the Qur'an

Fidyah and Kaffara are mentioned in the Qur'an in the selection below: