Fidyah
Fidyah is a religious donation to help those in need. It is only paid when someone is unable to fast during Ramadan.
What is Fidyah ↓
Fidyah or Fidya is a religious donation to help those in need. It is only paid when someone is unable to fast during Ramadan due to medical conditions or any other valid reasons such as a prolonged illness, and will not be able to make up the fast.
How (Fidyah Works)
Fidyah is applicable only if a person is unable to fast during Ramadan and cannot make up the missed fasts at a later time due to ongoing health issues or other valid reasons. It is not meant for those who temporarily miss fasting but can make it up later.
The standard Fidyah amount is typically equivalent to the cost of feeding a needy person one meals for each day of fasting missed.
The amount can vary by region, but in the UK, it is generally around £3 per missed fast. For those who miss the entire month of Ramadan, the total Fidyah would be about £90.
Alleviates Hunger
Provides essential meals to those who struggle to access adequate food.
Strengthens Community
Fosters compassion and support within the community by helping those in need.
Spiritual Reward
Fulfills Islamic obligations, providing spiritual peace and attracting divine blessings.
Global Helping Hands, in particular, has a dedicated program to manage Fidyah donations, ensuring that they are used effectively to provide nutritious meals to those in need during Ramadan. This approach not only fulfills the religious duty of those paying Fidyah but also makes a significant impact on the lives of the beneficiaries.
Frequently Asked Questions
Confused about donating? Take a look at our frequently asked questions below.
What is Fidyah?
Fidyah is a charitable donation required of Muslims who are unable to fast during Ramadan due to chronic illness, old age, or other valid reasons. It is meant to compensate for missed fasts by feeding the needy, allowing those who cannot fast to still fulfil their religious obligations.
Who is required to pay Fidyah?
Fidyah must be paid by individuals who cannot fast during Ramadan due to long-term health conditions, old age, pregnancy, or breastfeeding, and who cannot make up for the missed fasts later. If you meet these criteria, Global Helping Hands can help you distribute your Fidyah effectively.
How is the amount of Fidyah calculated?
The amount of Fidyah is typically calculated based on the cost of providing one meals to a needy person for each day of fasting missed. For 2025, the rate is generally £3 per missed fast, which Global Helping Hands uses to provide meals to those in need.
Can Fidyah be paid in money instead of food?
Yes, Fidyah can be paid in monetary form. The money should be equivalent to the cost of meals for the needy. Global Helping Hands accepts monetary Fidyah and ensures it is used to feed the poor, fulfilling your religious duty.
What happens if I pay Fidyah but later recover and can fast?
If you pay Fidyah thinking you won’t recover, but later you are able to fast, you should make up the missed fasts. The previously paid Fidyah will then be considered as a voluntary charity, and you will still receive rewards. Global Helping Hands can assist in managing these contributions.
Who is eligible to pay Fidyah?
Fidyah is required for individuals who cannot fast during Ramadan due to chronic illness, old age, or any other long-term condition that prevents them from fasting and makes it unlikely that they can make up the missed fasts later. It is specifically meant for those who are unable to fast either temporarily or permanently and cannot perform Qada (making up missed fasts). If you fall into this category, paying Fidyah allows you to fulfill your religious obligation while helping to feed those in need.
Is Fidyah the same as Kaffarah?
No, Fidyah is paid for missed fasts due to valid reasons, while Kaffarah is a penalty for deliberately breaking a fast without a valid reason. Kaffarah involves either fasting for 60 consecutive days or feeding 60 needy people. Global Helping Hands can help you fulfil either obligation.
How does GHH ensure my Fidyah reaches those in need?
Global Helping Hands works with trusted partners and local communities to distribute Fidyah to those who are most vulnerable, such as orphans, widows, and the poor. Your donation is used to provide nutritious meals, ensuring your Fidyah is both impactful and compliant with Islamic principles.
Making a Difference During Ramadan
The primary goal of Fidyah is to ensure that the less fortunate are supported during Ramadan, reflecting the values of compassion and community in Islam. By paying Fidyah, those who are unable to fast can still partake in the spiritual rewards of Ramadan by helping to provide food for the poor.
Fidyah can be paid in the form of food or as a monetary donation equivalent to the cost of the meals. Many organisations, like Global Helping Hands, offer services to collect Fidyah and distribute it to those in need, ensuring that it reaches the most vulnerable people, including orphans, widows, and the poor.
Our Promise To You ↓
Our 100% donation policy ensures that every single donation is entrusted (Amanah) to us to support the needy, destitute, poor, orphans, and widows.