Ramadan is a sacred month of fasting, prayer, and devotion for Muslims around the world. Fasting from dawn to sunset is an essential obligation, but sometimes, due to unavoidable circumstances, one may miss a fast. If you are unable to fast due to illness, old age, or other valid reasons, Islam provides a way to compensate through Fidya and Kaffarah. Understanding these two concepts is crucial to ensuring that you fulfill your religious obligations correctly.
What is Fidya?
Fidya is a form of compensation for those who cannot fast due to chronic illness, old age, or any condition that permanently prevents them from observing the fasts of Ramadan. It allows them to still participate in the blessings of the holy month by feeding a person in need. The amount of Fidya is typically the cost of two meals per missed fast.
When Should You Pay Fidya?
You should pay Fidya if:
- You have a long-term illness that prevents fasting.
- You are elderly and physically unable to fast.
- You have a condition that makes fasting harmful to your health.
- A pregnant or nursing mother cannot fast due to health concerns.
To donate Fidya, visit this link and contribute towards feeding those in need.
What is Kaffarah?
Kaffarah is a higher form of expiation required when a person deliberately breaks a fast in Ramadan without a valid reason. Unlike Fidya, which is given for unintentional inability to fast, Kaffarah is a penalty that requires either fasting for sixty consecutive days or feeding sixty poor people for each missed fast.
When Should You Pay Kaffarah?
Kaffarah must be paid if:
- You intentionally break your fast without a valid reason.
- You eat or drink deliberately during fasting hours without necessity.
- You engage in any act that nullifies the fast intentionally.
If fasting for sixty days is not possible due to health reasons, you can pay Kaffarah by feeding sixty needy individuals. Learn more about how to pay Kaffarah by visiting this link.
How to Pay Fidya and Kaffarah?
The easiest way to fulfill your obligation is by donating to a trusted charity that distributes food to those in need. Al-Wahab Foundation ensures your Fidya and Kaffarah donations reach the most deserving individuals. You can pay directly through their online platform here.
Importance of Paying Fidya and Kaffarah
Observing Ramadan is an essential part of a Muslim’s faith, and missing fasts should not prevent one from earning the blessings of this holy month. Paying Fidya and Kaffarah ensures that your missed fasts are accounted for and that those in need receive much-needed support.
Conclusion
If you have missed a fast, it is important to determine
whether you need to pay Fidya or Kaffarah. By fulfilling these obligations, you
can maintain spiritual integrity while helping those in need. Ramadan is a time
of mercy and giving, so ensure that your Fidya and Kaffarah are paid on time.
Visit Al-Wahab Foundation to make your contributions today.