The Difference Between Fidya and Kaffarah

Fasting is the fourth pillar of Islam and one of the most important duties ordained by Allah (SWT). Its purpose is to achieve Taqwa, the righteousness that stems from the fear of Allah (SWT). The Quran tells us:

“O you who have believed, decreed upon you is fasting as it was decreed upon those before you that you may become righteous” (Surat Al-Baqarah, 2:183)

All adult Muslims are required to fast during the month of Ramadan. From dawn (Fajr) to dusk (Maghrib), Muslims abstain from food, drinks, physical intimacy, and acts forbidden by Islam. During fasting, Muslims are expected to exhibit their best behavior and curb their physical and emotional urges. 

It was narrated from Abu Hurairah that the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) said: “Whoever does not give up evil and ignorant speech, and acting in accordance with that, Allah has no need of his giving up his food and drink.” (Sunan Ibn Majah, 1689)

Believers are expected to observe fasting according to the expectations described in the Quran and the Hadith. However, Islam offers relaxation for a category of people who cannot fast due to health-related problems. Islam also offers a chance of redemption for individuals who commit the grievous sin of breaking a fast before the prescribed time without any valid reasons. In this article, we will discuss the difference between Fidya and Kaffarah.

Pay Fidya Online

What is Fidya, and who can benefit from it?

In discussing the obligations of fasting, it’s important to understand the difference between Fidya and Kaffarah.  While fasting is an obligation for all Muslims, people who are medically unfit to fast are exempted from it.  The Quran tells us:

“[Fasting for] a limited number of days. So whoever among you is ill or on a journey [during them] – then an equal number of days [are to be made up]. And upon those who are able [to fast, but with hardship] – a ransom [as substitute] of feeding a poor person [each day]. And whoever volunteers excess – it is better for him. But to fast is best for you, if you only knew.”(Surat Al-Baqarah, 2:184)

However, Fidya must be exercised cautiously because it only applies to individuals with severe medical conditions and a low probability of recovery. People experiencing temporary illness must compensate for the fast they missed after Ramadan. 

Therefore, Fidya must not be used as an excuse for not fasting. The following categories of people do not qualify for Fidya:

• Individuals experiencing temporary illnesses.
• Individuals who accidentally or deliberately broke the fast before Iftar.
• Individuals recovering from a medical condition and knowing they’d be medically fit within the foreseeable future.

What is the recommended Fidya amount for 2025?

To pay Fidya for each missed fast, one must feed an eligible person twice a day. Therefore, the Fidya amount for Ramdan 2025 is almost Rs. 500 per missed fast. 

In the table, you can see the current recommended Fidya amount in three different currencies.

What is Kaffarah, and what is the difference between Fidya and Kafffarah? 

Kaffarah is derived from the word ‘Kafar’, which means concealing or hiding. Kaffarah is a form of penance. Sometimes, Fidya and Kaffarah are confused as similar practices, but Kaffarah applies to cases where a person deliberately breaks a fast before Iftar without any valid reason. Note that if a person breaks a fast under coercion or any medical reason, they don’t need to pay Kaffarah for it. By the same token, someone medically unfit to fast has to pay Fidya, not Kaffarah.

Thus, Kaffarah only applies when an individual falls prey to a certain temptation to break the fast.

However, human beings commit mistakes and Allah’s (SWT) infinite mercy allows forgiveness for those who repent.

The Quran tells us that:

“And Allah wants to lighten for you [your difficulties]; and mankind was created weak.” (Surat An-Nisā, 4:28)

The Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) said: “Every son of Adam commits sin, and the best of those who commit sin are those who repent.’ (Sunan Ibn Majah, 4251)

Although deliberately breaking a fast is a major sin, Allah (SWT) allows believers a chance of redemption by paying Kaffarah.

Pay Kaffarah Online

How Much is the Kaffarah for Breaking a Fast?

One can choose one of the following options to pay Kaffarah:

• Fast for 60 days, consecutively. Note that one cannot miss out on any fast during the 60 days.
• Provide money to feed 60 deserving Muslims for two meals. The money should be equal to the Sadaqa-e-Fitr for each person. This means that the Kaffarah amount is around PKR 30,000 for breaking one fast.

Note that, in either of the cases, the Qada for the missed fast must be made. 

Eligibility Criteria for Receiving Fidya or Kaffarah

The eligibility to receive Fidya or Kaffarah is the same as that of Zakat. The following categories of people can receive Fidya:

• The Poor (Al-Fuqara)
• The Needy (Al-Masakeen)
• Zakat Collectors nominated by a Muslim State
• Newly Converted Muslims (Mu’allafah Quloobuhum) …
• Freeing Slaves (Riqab) …
• People in Debt (Al-Gharimeen) …
• For the Cause of Allah (Fi Sabilillah) …
• Travelers (Ibn Al-Sabeel)

Difference between Fidya and Kaffarah

The differences between Fidya and Kaffarah are as follows:

• The Fidya amount is given by individuals who cannot fast due to serious health issues (that cannot be cured in the near future), while Kaffarah is given for breaking a fast without a valid reason.
• The Qada for Kaffarah needs to be made. However, Fidya doesn’t need any Qada.
• The Fidya amount for missing a fast is equivalent to feeding an eligible person two meals, while to pay Kaffarah one has to fast for 60 days consecutively or feed 60 deserving individuals twice a day.

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Conclusion:

Both Fidya and Kaffarah have important roles in Islamic practices. To fully appreciate the practice of fasting, it’s crucial to learn the difference between Fidya and Kaffarah.

Fidya is paid by a person who cannot fast due to medical reasons. It is an exemption that only applies to individuals who are medically unfit to fast and cannot recover shortly. Anyone who is temporarily ill must fast after Ramadan to make up for the missed fasts. Kaffarah is a penance for those who deliberately break their fast without valid reasons. These two concepts are often confused, and thus, it is important to learn their differences. Both concepts highlight the importance of intention and circumstance in fasting during Ramadan. While paying your Zakat, Sadaqa, Fitrana, Fidya, Kaffarah, and other donations, consider donating to Transparent Hands.

Read More:

How Much is Fidya for Ramadan 2025?