During Ramadan, people should think, pray, and be nice to one another. Fasting is an important aspect of this holy month, but things don’t always go as planned. Sometimes, like when you’re unwell, pregnant, old, or for other reasons, it can be challenging or even impossible to fast.
What happens if we don’t fast or break one? Is there no way to put things right? Not at all.
That’s where Kaffarah and Fidya come in. Helping others and giving to them is a good way to make up for not fasting. Even when we can’t fast, these acts of kindness keep us in touch with the spirit of Ramadan.
Let’s quickly go over what Fidya and Kaffarah are and how they work.
What Does Fidya Mean?
If you miss a fast and can’t make it up later, you have to pay Fidya. Most of the time, this happens because of a long-term illness, old age, or pregnancy, when fasting could hurt you or your child. Islam doesn’t want you to fast. Instead, it wants you to feed someone who needs it every day that you don’t.
The Quran says:
“And upon those who are able [to fast, but with hardship] – a ransom [as substitute] of feeding a poor person [each day].” – Surah Al-Baqarah (2:184)
If you skipped 10 fasts and can’t make them up, you should feed 10 people who need it, for instance. This is a simple but beautiful way to recall the blessings of Ramadan, even if you can’t fast.
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What is the Price of Fidya?
Fidya usually pays for two meals for each day missed, which is about £5 in the UK. It’s best to get accurate amounts from a reliable charity. You can easily send money to United Muslims and be confident that it goes to the people who actually need it, whether they live in Palestine or another place that is in trouble.
Fidya is not a punishment; it is a present. Islam never tells us to do more than we can handle. You can still execute your religious obligation with kindness through Fidya even if you can’t fast. You can still get the advantages of Ramadan.
What Does the Word “Kaffarah” Mean?
Kaffarah is a punishment for people who break their fast on purpose during Ramadan without a good reason. It’s not about little things like forgetting you’re fasting or accidentally drinking water. You are breaking your fast if you eat, drink, or do anything else that you know would break it.
If this happens, you can either not eat for 60 days in a row or, if that’s too hard, offer 60 people one meal apiece.
It can seem like a lot to ask, but it’s supposed to make you think and genuinely feel sorry. It’s not about punishing you; it’s a major step towards healing your spirit and getting back in touch with your values. The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) said:
“Whoever breaks the fast during Ramadan without an allowance or illness, then if he fasted for all time, his fasting would not make up for it.” (Jami` at-Tirmidhi)
If you need to give Kaffarah, United Muslims can help you pay Kaffarah. Your gift will help people in locations like Palestine who are having a hard time by giving them food, clean water, and other help. Your kindness not only helps others, but it also helps you discover serenity and mercy.
Why These Things are Important
Fidya and Kaffarah are not ways to punish people. These are wonderful things to do that will forgive you. They make sure that everyone can experience the good things that come with Ramadan, even if they can’t fast. The Quran says:
“God does not burden any soul with more than it can bear.” – Surah Al-Baqarah (2:286)
It firmly reminds us that our faith is based on understanding and caring for others. You show that spirit when you choose to offer. Donating to a local cause, a worldwide cause, or sending support to Palestine all make a difference.
Where Does Your Donation Go?
Your donation will genuinely help people who have to deal with problems every day. Every donation to United Muslims assists people who are in pain and provides them with hope.
When you donate through United Muslims, you help to:
- Feed families in Yemen, Palestine, and other places where life is hard.
- Pay for clean water through life-changing water charity programmes.
- During Ramadan, give Fidya meals to anyone who needs them.
- Help families acquire food so they don’t go to bed hungry.
Giving More Than Just Food: Sharing Hope and Kindness
Every time you give in charity, you follow the footsteps of the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him), who said,
“Charity does not decrease wealth.” (Sahih Muslim)
When you offer Zakat, give on behalf of someone you care about, or just give from the heart, you’re doing more than just feeding a hungry person. You are giving someone who really needs it hope and comfort.
Islam promotes a good balance between duty and giving. Not only are Fidya and Kaffarah something we have to perform, but they are also indicators of Allah’s love for us and that he wants things to be simple for us. The Quran reads,
“Allah intends for you ease and does not intend for you hardship.” – Surah Al-Baqarah (2:185)
It appears that your missed fast is a blessing for someone else when you give Fidya or Kaffarah. Your donation makes a difference in someone’s life by giving them a warm dinner when they might not have had one. This strong circle of giving spreads love and compassion where they are most needed.
When you decide to give, you’re doing more than just giving money to a good cause. You are giving people who need it the most hope, mercy, and a better future.
Bringing hope through small acts of kindness—a meal, a helping hand, or a gift can light up a child’s day.
Ready to Make a Difference?
Don’t worry if you can’t fast or have missed a fast this Ramadan or in the past. Islam teaches us important ways to be kind to others and help them. You can easily choose how much to give and give it to well-known groups like United Muslims for Fidya, Kaffarah, or Zakat. That way, you’ll always remember what Ramadan is all about.
No matter how big or small, every donation counts. A £5 Fidya for a day that someone is missing or a huge Kaffarah gift to feed a lot of people are both good examples. Your contribution is more than just fulfilling religious duties. It really helps the people who need it the most.
When we don’t do our best, Islam gives us an opportunity to get back up and grow spiritually by assisting others. Fidya and Kaffarah are not just measures to make up for missed fasts. They are about mercy, healing, and having a purpose. Let’s work together to make a meaningful difference by turning missed fasts into full plates.
Take the step today, give with your heart and renew your faith through charity.
