Paying Fidyah for Missed Fasting: Understanding the Concept and How to Fulfill It

The month of Ramadan is indeed full of blessings, but not everyone is able to observe it—whether due to age, illness, or certain conditions. Fortunately, Islam provides leniency by allowing missed fasts to be compensated through fidyah. But how should fidyah be paid according to Islamic teachings? Here’s a complete explanation.

What Is Fidyah?

The word fidyah comes from the Arabic term fadaa, which means to replace or compensate.

According to an explanation from BAZNAS, in the context of Ramadan fasting, fidyah refers to compensation paid by someone who is unable to fast due to a valid udzur syar’i (legitimate excuse according to Islamic law). This includes cases such as severe illness, old age, or other conditions that prevent a person from fasting.

As a replacement, they are required to pay fidyah for each day of fasting they miss.

The obligation to pay fidyah is mentioned in the Quran, specifically in Surah Al-Baqarah (2:184), which states:

اَيَّامًا مَّعْدُوْدٰتٍۗ فَمَنْ كَانَ مِنْكُمْ مَّرِيْضًا اَوْ عَلٰى سَفَرٍ فَعِدَّةٌ مِّنْ اَيَّامٍ اُخَرَۗ وَعَلَى الَّذِيْنَ يُطِيْقُوْنَهٗ فِدْيَةٌ طَعَامُ مِسْكِيْنٍۗ فَمَنْ تَطَوَّعَ خَيْرًا فَهُوَ خَيْرٌ لَّهٗۗ وَاَنْ تَصُوْمُوْا خَيْرٌ لَّكُمْ اِنْ كُنْتُمْ تَعْلَمُوْنَ

The meaning is: (Namely) a limited number of days. So, whoever among you is sick or on a journey (and does not fast), then (he must make up for) the same number of days on other days. And for those who find it difficult to fast, they must pay fidyah—that is, feeding a poor person. And whoever voluntarily does more good, it is better for him. But to fast is better for you if you only knew.

This verse emphasizes that those who are unable to fast during Ramadan are obligated to pay fidyah as a substitute for the missed fasting days. It also clarifies why fidyah must be paid—because it is a religious obligation.

Who Is Required to Pay Fidyah?

As previously explained, fidyah serves as a substitute for the obligatory fasting in Ramadan that is missed due to specific conditions. Here are the eligible criteria:

1. Elderly Individuals

This applies to elderly individuals who are physically weak and no longer capable of fasting. They are exempt from the obligation to fast but must pay fidyah as compensation.

2. Individuals with Severe Illness

Those suffering from a severe illness with little to no chance of recovery are also required to pay fidyah in place of their missed fasts.

3.  Pregnant or Breastfeeding Women

Pregnant and/or breastfeeding women are given a concession (rukhsah) allowing them to skip fasting during Ramadan. However, whether they must make up the fasts (qadha) or pay fidyah depends on the reason for missing them. The conditions are as follows:

• If they are concerned only about their own health, they are not required to pay fidyah. However, they must make up the missed fasts after Ramadan.

• If they are concerned only about the health of their baby or fetus, scholars have differing opinions. The first opinion states that the mother only needs to make up the missed fasts. But The second opinion holds that the mother must both make up the fasts and pay fidyah.

  
  

4. Deceased Person

A person who has passed away but still has outstanding missed fasts may have their fidyah paid by their heirs or family members. However, in the Shafi'i mazhab of thought, there are two key conditions to consider:

• Fidyah must be paid if the deceased intentionally missed fasting without a valid excuse or had a valid excuse but delayed making up the missed fasts (when they were actually able to) until they passed away.

• Fidyah is not required if the deceased missed fasting due to a valid excuse and did not have the opportunity to make up the fasts before passing away.

  
  

When Should Fidyah Be Paid?

Fidyah should ideally be paid as soon as a person is unable to fast so that the obligation is fulfilled promptly and can benefit those in need. However, there are specific timeframes for payment to consider:

1. On the Same Day or During Ramadan

If a person is certain they cannot fast (e.g., due to old age or chronic illness), fidyah may be paid daily or in a lump sum at the end of Ramadan, based on the total missed fasting days.

2. After Ramadan, Before the Next Ramadan

If someone only confirms after Ramadan that they are unable to make up their fasts, fidyah must be paid before the following Ramadan to fulfill the obligation.

3. Before Passing Away

If a person is ill and unlikely to recover, their family may pay fidyah on their behalf if they pass away before they can fulfill it.

In essence, the sooner fidyah is paid, the better, ensuring the obligation is fulfilled and those in need receive immediate benefits.

But what about impoverished individuals who are unable to fast and also cannot afford to pay fidyah? According to Baitul Maal Hidayatullah (BMH), if their circumstances genuinely prevent them from doing so, the obligation to pay fidyah is waived.

How Much Fidyah Needs to Be Paid?

There are differing opinions regarding the amount of fidyah that must be paid by someone unable to fast. Here is the explanation:

1. Mazhab Hanafi

According to Hanafi scholars, the fidyah to be paid is equivalent to 2 mud of wheat per missed fasting day. One mud is approximately 815 grams, meaning the total fidyah per day amounts to 1.63 kg of wheat.

This school of thought allows fidyah to be given either in the form of food for the poor or as a monetary equivalent of its value.

2. Mazhab Maliki dan Syafi’i

According to Imam Maliki and Imam Shafi’i, the fidyah that must be paid is 1 mud of staple food per day of missed fasting. In this school of thought, 1 mud is approximately 675 grams (which can be rice, dates, or other staple foods).

The fidyah can be given directly to the poor or prepared as a meal before being donated.

3. Mazhab Hambali

Similar to the Maliki and Shafi’i mazhab, the Hanbali Mazhab states that the fidyah to be paid is 1 mud of staple food per day of missed fasting.

However, Imam Hanbali recommends that it be given in the form of a ready-to-eat meal for the poor.

4.  Local Institution Guidelines

Labamu friends may realize that traditional measurements like sha' and mud can be difficult to convert accurately into modern weight units.

Therefore, you can also refer to local religious authorities or official zakat institutions for precise guidance.

For example, in DKI Jakarta, according to BAZNAS Decree No. 07 of 2023 regarding Zakat Fitrah and Fidyah for Jakarta and surrounding areas, the fidyah amount in monetary form is Rp 60,000 per day per person.

How to Pay Fidyah?

In Islam, there are several ways to pay fidyah, including the following:

1. Providing Food Directly

Fidyah can be given in the form of ready-to-eat meals for the poor, equal to the number of missed fasting days. The meals can consist of a portion of rice with side dishes or staple food items such as rice.

2. Paying in the Form of Money

Some scholars permit fidyah to be paid in the form of money, equivalent to the price of one meal. The amount should be adjusted based on the local cost of food. For example, in DKI Jakarta, the fidyah amount is set at Rp 60,000 per day, while in Ngawi Regency, it is Rp 15,000 per day.

3. Distributing Through Zakat Institutions

Many reputable zakat institutions, such as BAZNAS, Dompet Dhuafa, or LAZNAS, offer fidyah payment services. This method is considered more practical, as these institutions will distribute the fidyah to those eligible to receive it.

4. Utilizing Digital Platforms

In the digital era, fidyah can also be paid via bank transfers, e-wallets, or financial platforms that collaborate with zakat institutions. However, if you choose to use a digital platform, ensure its security and select one that is officially licensed.

Ultimately, paying fidyah is a religious obligation for those unable to fast, and Islam has provided clear guidelines for fulfilling it.

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