2026 Guide to Paying Fidyah for Missed Fasts
Fidya, also known as Fedyah, is a charitable compensation in Islam for those unable to fast in Ramadan for valid and permanent reasons such as old age or chronic illness.
Who Needs to Pay Fidya (Fedyah) in Islam?
Fidya is only required if a person:
- Has a valid reason for missing fasts (e.g., old age or chronic illness)
- Is permanently unable to make up the fasts later
- Cannot endure fasting due to health conditions, and according to some scholars, pregnancy and breastfeeding.
This is based on the verse in the Qur’an:
“…And for those who can fast with difficulty, they have [a choice] to feed a poor person [for every day].”
(Surah Al-Baqarah, 2:184)
Instead of fasting, the person is required to feed a person who is poor, or faqeer, for each day missed.
Fedyah vs Kaffarah: What’s the Difference?
| Fidya (Fedyah) | Kaffarah |
|---|---|
| For missed fasts with valid reasons | For intentionally broken fasts |
| Feed 1 person per missed day | Feed 60 people per broken fast |
| For chronic illness, old age | For deliberate fast-breaking or oaths |
How much is Fidya in 2026?
The current Fidya amount for Ramadan 2026 is $6 per missed fast, based on the cost of feeding a person two daily meals.
If all 30 fasts are missed: $180 total.
In 2026, you can pay your Fidya online – making it easier than ever to fulfil this obligation in a timely and Shariah-compliant way.
