What Is Kaffarah?
So, what is Kaffarah? Kaffarah is a required Islamic expiation paid when a Ramadan fast is deliberately broken without a valid excuse. It involves either fasting 60 consecutive days or feeding 60 people in need. Understanding Kaffarah helps you fulfil your duty correctly and avoid confusion with other obligations such as Fidyah.
Meaning and Rules of Kaffarah in Islam
Kaffarah means expiation. In the context of fasting, it refers to the penalty required when a person intentionally breaks a Ramadan fast without a valid Islamic reason. This ruling comes from authentic sources in Islamic law and is agreed upon by the majority of scholars.
Kaffarah only applies when intent exists. Eating, drinking, or marital relations during daylight hours of Ramadan by choice requires Kaffarah. Forgetting, coercion, illness, travel, pregnancy, breastfeeding, or old age do not require Kaffarah.
The required Kaffarah for each deliberately broken fast is to feed 60 poor people. In the UK, this is fulfilled through a fixed payment of £300 per fast. This amount reflects food costs and ensures each person receives proper nourishment.
Kaffarah is separate from making up the fast. You must still repent sincerely. Many scholars also require making up the fast in addition to paying Kaffarah.
Kaffarah is not the same as Fidyah. Fidyah applies when fasting is not possible at all. Kaffarah applies when fasting was broken deliberately. Mixing the two leads to incorrect payment and an unfulfilled obligation.
Each fast must be counted separately. One broken fast equals one Kaffarah payment. Two broken fasts require two payments. There is no reduced or combined rate.
Paying Kaffarah should not be delayed without reason. Early payment removes the burden and ensures food reaches people who rely on this support.
Understanding Kaffarah protects your worship. It ensures accountability. It also turns a serious mistake into meaningful relief for others.
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FAQ's
FAQs that cover the most common questions about donating to this project
The Kaffarah amount for 2026 is £300 for each fast deliberately broken. This amount feeds 60 people in need.
You must pay Kaffarah if you intentionally broke a Ramadan fast without a valid Islamic reason such as illness or travel.
No. Missed fasts due to valid reasons require making up the fast later or paying Fidyah, not Kaffarah.
Yes. You can pay before Ramadan, during the month, or after. Paying earlier helps people sooner.
Your payment provides food for 60 people, usually through cooked meals or essential food packs.
Yes. Kaffarah is paid separately for every fast that was intentionally broken.
