Fidyah
Fidyah 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.
- £3 feeds one person in need for each fast you cannot make up
- £90 covers the whole month of Ramadan
- 100% donation policy: every penny reaches the people you feed
What is Fidyah
A meal for someone in need, for each fast you cannot keep
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.
The standard Fidyah amount is the cost of feeding a needy person one meal for each day of fasting missed. In the UK this is £3 for each missed fast, so for the whole month of Ramadan the Fidyah is £90.
Who pays Fidyah, and who makes up the fast
Fidyah is applicable only if a person is unable to fast during Ramadan and cannot make up the missed fasts at a later time.
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Pay Fidyah
You cannot fast in Ramadan because of a long-term illness, old age or another lasting reason, and you will not be able to make the fasts up later. Pay your Fidyah
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Make up the fast instead
You missed fasts for a reason that passes and can fast later. Fidyah is not meant for those who temporarily miss fasting but can make it up later.
وَعَلَى الَّذِينَ يُطِيقُونَهُ فِدْيَةٌ طَعَامُ مِسْكِينٍ
“And upon those who are able [to fast, but with hardship] – a ransom [as substitute] of feeding a poor person.”
How your Fidyah reaches people in need
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Count your fasts
Use the calculator at the top of this page: £3 for each fast you cannot make up, £90 for the whole month.
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Pay securely
Your Fidyah goes into your basket as one donation, and you pay by card, Apple Pay or Google Pay.
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We provide the meals
Global Helping Hands works with trusted partners and local communities to feed the most vulnerable, such as orphans, widows and the poor.
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.
Global Helping Hands has a dedicated programme to manage Fidyah donations, ensuring that they are used effectively to provide nutritious meals to those in need during Ramadan, and that they reach the most vulnerable people, including orphans, widows and the poor.
Questions about Fidyah
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 meal 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 fulfil 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.
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