Ramadan is a month of immense spiritual reward, centered around the act of fasting from dawn until sunset. However, Islam is a religion of profound mercy and compassion. Allah (SWT) says in the Qur’an: “Allah intends for you ease and does not intend for you hardship” (2:185).
For some members of our community—specifically the elderly and those with chronic health conditions—fasting is not physically possible. In these cases, the obligation to fast is replaced by Fidya. This beautiful provision ensures that those who cannot fast can still participate in the blessings of the month by providing food for those who have none.
What is the Fidya Meaning in Islam?
The word Fidya (or Fidyah) comes from the Arabic root meaning “to ransom” or “to redeem.” In a religious context, it refers to a compulsory charitable payment made by a Muslim who is unable to fast during Ramadan due to a valid, permanent reason.
Unlike those who miss a fast due to travel or temporary illness (who must make up the days later), individuals eligible for Fidya are those who:
- Cannot fast due to old age and frailty.
- Suffer from a chronic illness or long-term medical condition (such as severe diabetes or kidney disease) that makes fasting dangerous.
- Have no realistic expectation of ever being able to make up the missed fasts in the future.
By paying fidya 2026, these individuals fulfil their religious duty while directly alleviating hunger in the Ummah.
How Much is Fidya 2026?
The amount for Fidya is based on the cost of feeding one poor person two meals for each day a fast is missed. For Ramadan 2026, the standard rate in the UK is £5 per day.
If you or a loved one is unable to fast for the entire month, the calculation is simple:
- 1 Day Missed: £5
- 10 Days Missed: £50
- Full Month (30 Days): £150
Using a trusted platform to pay fidya ensures that your donation is converted into nutritious meals or food packs for families living in extreme poverty.
Islamic Compassion: Rules for the Elderly and Ill
Islam places a high priority on the sanctity of life. If fasting would cause a person’s health to deteriorate or put their life at risk, it is actually forbidden for them to fast. This is where Islamic compassion rules come into effect.
Chronic Illness and Fasting
If you have a condition that requires regular medication or stable blood sugar levels, you are exempt from fasting. It is essential to consult with a medical professional—ideally a Muslim doctor who understands the physical demands of Ramadan—before deciding to pay Fidya.
The Wisdom of the Elderly
Our elders are the pillars of our community. If age has made the body too weak to endure a 16-hour fast, Islam does not require them to suffer. By paying Fidya, they are still “feeding the fasting” and earning the same rewards as those who are able to abstain from food.
[Image: An elderly man smiling while sharing a meal with a younger person]
The Difference Between Fidya and Kaffarah
It is important not to confuse Fidya with Kaffarah.
- Fidya 2026: Paid when you have a valid excuse (illness/age) and cannot fast. The cost is £5 per missed day.
- Kaffarah: Paid when a fast is deliberately broken without a valid reason. This carries a much heavier requirement, such as feeding 60 poor people per missed fast (£300).
About Children of Adam: Providing Dignity Through Your Fidya
At Children of Adam, we understand that being unable to fast can be emotionally difficult for many Muslims. We are here to ensure that your fidya 2026 donation carries the highest impact possible.
When you choose to pay fidya through us, we ensure your contribution is used exclusively for feeding poor fidya recipients. Our teams on the ground in conflict zones and impoverished regions deliver freshly prepared Iftar meals and long-lasting food staples. We follow a strict 100% donation policy for Fidya, meaning every penny goes toward the food intended for the needy.
Are you unsure if you qualify for Fidya? Visit our website to learn more about the rules of exemption and use our simple calculator to fulfill your obligation today.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Can I pay Fidya at the start of Ramadan?
Yes. If you know for certain that your medical condition or age will prevent you from fasting the entire month, you can pay the full £150 at the beginning of Ramadan.
2. What if my health improves later in the year?
If you pay Fidya because you thought your illness was permanent, but you later recover and become healthy enough to fast, you must make up the missed days. In this case, your previous Fidya becomes a rewarded Sadaqah (voluntary charity).
3. Can I pay Fidya for a deceased relative?
Yes. If a loved one passed away and had missed fasts due to illness that they were unable to make up, you can pay Fidya on their behalf to settle their religious debt.
4. Who receives the Fidya money?
Fidya must be given to the poor and needy. It cannot be used for general charity expenses like building a mosque; it must specifically go toward providing food.
5. Is Fidya due for pregnant or breastfeeding women?
Most scholars agree that pregnant or nursing women are temporarily exempt if they fear for their health or the baby. However, they are usually expected to make up the fasts later (Qada) rather than pay Fidya, unless they have a permanent condition that prevents them from ever making them up.
