Understanding Fidya: Compensation for Missed Ramadan Fasts

Did you miss fasting during Ramadan due to unavoidable circumstances?

It can feel overwhelming knowing you’ve missed the spiritual and physical benefits of fasting. The guilt and uncertainty about how to address these missed days can leave you searching for answers. 

There is hope—Islam provides a compassionate way to atone for the missed fasts through Fidya, easing your heart and mind.

Let’s explore what Fidya is, its significance in the Quran and Hadith, who is exempt from fasting, how to fulfill it, and the related guidelines.

What is Fidya in Islam?

Fidya is compensation in Islam for missed fasts during Ramadan due to valid reasons such as illness, pregnancy, menstruation, or travel. 

Unlike Kaffarah for intentionally breaking a fast, Fidya serves a different purpose. It allows individuals who are unable to fast due to chronic conditions or long-term illness to make restitution.

Significance of Fidya in the Quran and Hadith

Both the Quran and Hadith highlight fidya as an option for those facing difficulties. This allows individuals to fulfill their religious duties despite genuine challenges.

In the Quran, Allah states:

يَـٰٓأَيُّهَا ٱلَّذِينَ ءَامَنُوا۟ كُتِبَ عَلَيْكُمُ ٱلصِّيَامُ كَمَا كُتِبَ عَلَى ٱلَّذِينَ مِن قَبْلِكُمْ لَعَلَّكُمْ تَتَّقُونَ ۝ 

"O you who believe! Fasting is obligatory for you, as it was for those before, to attain righteousness. You must fast for a set number of days. If you're ill or traveling, make up the missed days later.

أَيَّامًۭا مَّعْدُودَٰتٍۢ ۚ فَمَن كَانَ مِنكُم مَّرِيضًا أَوْ عَلَىٰ سَفَرٍۢ فَعِدَّةٌۭ مِّنْ أَيَّامٍ أُخَرَ ۚ وَعَلَى ٱلَّذِينَ يُطِيقُونَهُۥ فِدْيَةٌۭ طَعَامُ مِسْكِينٍۢ ۖ فَمَن تَطَوَّعَ خَيْرًۭا فَهُوَ خَيْرٌۭ لَّهُۥ ۚ وَأَن تَصُومُوا۟ خَيْرٌۭ لَّكُمْ ۖ إِن كُنتُمْ تَعْلَمُونَ ۝ 

As for those who find fasting difficult (such as the elderly), they have the option to either fast or feed a poor person each day. However, whoever voluntarily does good is better for him. And fasting is better for you if only you knew."

[Al-Baqarah 2:183-184]

This verse establishes the obligation of fasting. It offers flexibility for those unable to fast due to illness, travel, or difficulty. Those who cannot fast have the option of paying fidya. This involves feeding a poor person for each missed fast.

The Hadith further clarifies this concept. 

Fasting is preferred when possible, but fidya is a valid option for the elderly or ill. It also emphasizes that fidya involves giving one mudd of food for each day of fasting missed.

Ibn Qudamah, in Al-Mughni, explains that those facing severe hardship due to old age or incurable illness are excused from fasting. They can compensate by feeding one poor person for each missed day. If feeding is beyond their means, they are not held accountable, as Allah says: 

"Allah burdens not a person beyond his scope."
[Al-Baqarah 2:286]

The Quran and Hadith highlight fidya as a compassionate provision for those unable to fast. It ensures they are not burdened while maintaining the spirit of the month of Ramadan through Sadaqah.

Who Is Eligible for Fidya?

Islam recognizes several circumstances where fasting could cause undue hardship, allowing individuals to skip fasting. 

These include:

1. Pregnant Women: If fasting endangers their health or their unborn child, they can defer fasting and later make up the missed days or pay fidya if unable.
2. Breastfeeding Mothers: If fasting affects their ability to nurse, they may skip fasting and make up the fasts later or pay fidya.
3. Travelers: Those traveling long distances can postpone fasting and make up missed days once they return.
4. Elderly Individuals: Those unable to fast due to age-related weakness may pay fidya instead of fasting.
5. Menstruating Women: Women on their monthly cycle are exempt from fasting and must make up the missed fasts later.
6. Postpartum Bleeding: Women recovering from childbirth are also exempt from fasting and should make up the fasts later.
7. Chronically Ill Individuals: People suffering from terminal illness may pay fidya for each missed fast.
8. Temporary Illness: Those with temporary illness can make up missed fasts once recovered. If they pass away before recovery, no expiation is needed.

Scholarly Views about Fidya Giving

1. Hanafi School: A pregnant or nursing woman who misses fasts is not required to pay fidya if she can make up the missed fasts later.
   
2. Shafi’i and Hanbali Schools: Fidya is required for those who cannot fast for the rest of their lives due to illness or old age. The amount differs from the Hanafi view, so it's best to consult a local scholar or follow Hanafi guidelines.
   
3. Maliki School: Paying fidya is recommended, but not obligatory, for those who can no longer fast.

Majority Scholarly View: Most scholars from the Maliki, Shafi’i, and Hanbali schools agree that fidya becomes compulsory for individuals who missed fasts and failed to make up the missed fasts before the next Ramadan. In such cases, fidya must be paid along with making up the missed fasts.

The Standing Committee's Rulings

Old men, old women, and those with incurable illnesses are exempt from fasting. They must feed one poor person per day. If they cannot afford this, no further action is required, as Allah has alleviated undue hardship in religion.

Ways to Fulfill Fidya 

Fidya can be offered in two ways:

1. Provide half a Sa` of staple food per missed fast or prepare a meal for the same number of less fortunate individuals, as practiced by Anas ibn Malik (may Allah be pleased with him) in his later years.
2. If able, make up the missed fasts by fasting an equal number of days.

For those who delay making up missed fasts without a valid excuse, the majority of scholars require:

• Fasting on the missed days.
• Paying Fidya as compensation for the delay.

Some scholars, like Shaykh Ibn Uthaymin, argue that Fidya for delay is not obligatory, but many recommend it as a precaution. The Fidya amount for each missed fast is equal to feeding one person. However, Kaffarah requires a payment equivalent to feeding 60 people.

Guidelines for Paying Fidya

Follow these key guidelines to give Fidya correctly:

• Fidya cannot be paid in advance.
• It must be given after the fasting day ends or on the following day of the missed fast.
• Fidya can also be given after Eid.
• All missed Fidya payments can be given to one person.
• The amount should be equivalent to an average meal you would typically eat on a regular day.

In conclusion, Fidya is a compassionate allowance in Islam for those who are unable to fast due to valid reasons, ensuring they can still fulfill their religious obligations. The Quran and Hadith emphasize its significance as a means of both expiation and charity, benefiting those in need. 

Eligible individuals, such as the elderly, chronically ill, or those facing hardships, can offer Fidya through food provisions or monetary contributions.

By understanding the proper ways to fulfill Fidya, Muslims can uphold their faith while supporting the less fortunate. Its guidelines also reinforce the spirit of generosity and responsibility in the community.

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