Fidya (فدية) in Islam is a form of charity compensation given when a person is unable to fast in Ramadan and has no ability to make up those fasts later. It is a ruling based on mercy, allowing a Muslim to still maintain connection to the obligation of fasting through feeding the poor.
Who is Fidya Meant For?
Fidya is specifically for people who are:
1. Elderly and physically weak.
They are permanently unable to fast
Fasting may cause harm or extreme difficulty
2. Chronically ill
Conditions with no hope of recovery
Example: long-term illnesses that prevent fasting indefinitely
In these cases, making up fasts (qadā’) is not required or possible, so fidya replaces it.
What is Fidya Exactly?
For each missed fast, the person must:
Feed one poor person (miskeen)
OR
Provide the monetary value of one full meal
What counts as a meal?
A normal, satisfying meal based on local food habits, such as:
Rice and stew
Beans and bread
Staple local food with protein.
🇳🇬 Fidya Amount (Nigeria – Approximately)
The value depends on local food prices and living costs.
Estimated range per day:
₦500 – ₦1,000 per missed fast
This is not fixed globally—it is based on what a normal meal costs in your community.
Practical Example.
If a person missed:
10 days of fasting
→ Feed 10 poor people
OR
→ Pay approximately ₦5,000 – ₦10,000
30 days of fasting
→ Feed 30 poor people
OR
→ Pay approximately ₦15,000 – ₦30,000
Important Distinction.
Fidya is not for everyone who misses fasts.
❌ You do NOT give fidya if:
You were sick temporarily
You were pregnant or breastfeeding (in most scholarly opinions)
You were traveling
In these cases, you must make up the fasts later (qadā’).
Wisdom Behind Fidya:
Fidya reflects the mercy and balance of Islam:
1. Mercy
Allah does not burden a soul beyond its ability.
2. Social care.
Fasting difficulty becomes an opportunity to feed the poor.
3. Spiritual responsibility.
Even when unable to fast, a believer still contributes to worship through charity.
Simple Summary:
> Fidya is feeding one poor person for each missed fast, given only by those who are permanently unable to fast and cannot make up the fasts later.
Final Reflection:
Islam never leaves a believer without a way to worship. Even when fasting is not possible, Allah opens another door—feeding the hungry, turning hardship into reward and compassion.