Fidya & Kaffarah 2026: A Clear Guide for Missed Fasts

Every Ramadan, people quietly worry about missed fasts; it’s more common than we admit. I’ve had friends message me at 2 am saying, “I think I messed up my fast… what now?”

Islam gives us two gentle but structured solutions: Fidya and Kaffarah. They’re not meant to shame anyone; they help us maintain integrity while recognising real-life challenges.

Here’s a simple breakdown for Muslims in the UK in 2026.

What Is Fidya? (When Fasting Isn’t Possible)

Fidya is a payment you give when you cannot fast during Ramadan and you won’t be able to make up those fasts later.

Who Pays Fidya?

Fidya applies to:

Elderly individuals
Those with long-term or chronic illnesses
For pregnant or breastfeeding mothers, fasting is harmful
Anyone permanently unable to fast or make up fasts later

It’s essentially feeding someone in need on your behalf.

Fidya Amount in the UK (2026)

UK Islamic charities estimate:

£5 per day
For the 30 days, it makes up a total of £150

This amount changes yearly based on the cost of food.

What Is Kaffarah? (For Intentionally Breaking a Fast)

Kaffarah is an expiation for deliberately breaking a fast without a valid reason. It’s a serious matter, so the compensation is greater.

Kaffarah Requirements

Two options:

Fast for 60 consecutive days, or
Feed 60 needy people

Kaffarah Amount in the UK (2026)

Estimated cost:

£300–£360 total

(Equivalent to feeding sixty individuals two meals each.)

Who’s Eligible For Fidya and Kaffarah?

The following are the eligible people for the Ramadan Kaffarah and also the Fidya in the UK.

Eligible For Fidya:

Elderly individuals who are too weak to fast.
People with chronic illnesses who prevent fast.
Pregnant or breastfeeding women who are not fasting if it harms them or the baby
Those with terminal illnesses who cannot recover cannot make up for fasts.

Eligible For Kaffarah:

Anyone who deliberately breaks a fast in Ramadan without a valid reason.
Those who engage in eating, drinking, or intimacy during a fast intentionally.
People who have the ability to fast but choose to break it without necessity.

Who Should Be Given The Fidya And Kaffarah?

You can pay your Fidya or Kaffarah to the following people:

Poor and needy individuals who struggle to afford food.
Orphans who lack financial support.
Widows with limited or no income.
The elderly poor who cannot work for a living.
Disabled individuals who are financially struggling.
Homeless people without access to proper meals.
Low-income families who struggle to meet daily needs.

Donate Your Fidya To Us And Compensate Your Lost Fasts

Missed your fasts or broke them for drinking, intimacy, or without any valid reason? Human Concern UK is here to help you fulfill your Fidya in the UK and the Kaffarah by providing meals and medical assistance to needy people.

Nothing can be a better way to compensate for your lost fasts than feeding poor people, whose pain was the purpose behind the whole concept of Ramadan. Turn your compensation into an act of kindness and save lives by feeding the poor. Donate today!

Frequently Asked Questions

When to pay Fidya?

When you’re not able to fast due to any chronic illness or permanent conditions like age, then you need to pay the Fidya as compensation. You can pay the Fidya any time, but it’s advised to pay it during Ramadan.

How to pay Fidya?

Fidya is given by providing food or its monetary value to the poor and needy. You can also pay Fidya to us online, as we feed poor families and help them throughout Ramadan with your donations.

When is Kaffarah required?

If you break your fast without a valid reason, illness, or travel, you need to pay the kaffarah for the compensation. It’s either too fast for 60 days or feeding up to 60 poor people.

Is Fidya compulsory?

Yes, if you can’t make up for your lost fasts after Ramadan, you need to pay the Roza Fidya as it’s a serious penalty. However, if you could make up the fasts later, which is called Qada(make-up fasts), then you don’t need to pay Fidya.