Fidyah & Kaffarah Calculator — 2026 Guide

What Is Fidyah (Compensation)?

Fidyah is a monetary compensation paid by a person who is unable to fulfill a religious obligation. In Islam, there are two main types: fidyah for prayer and fidyah for fasting.

Fasting fidyah:When a person cannot fast during Ramadan and has no prospect of being able to fast in the future, they must feed one poor person for each missed day. The Quran states in Surah Al-Baqarah (2:184): “And upon those who are able [to fast, but with hardship] — a ransom of feeding a poor person.”

Prayer fidyah: In the Hanafi school, if a deceased person left a bequest for their missed prayers, fidyah is paid on their behalf. For each prayer time, approximately 1.667 kg of wheat (or its monetary equivalent) is given.

What Is Kaffarah (Expiation)?

Kaffarah is a penalty imposed on a person who intentionally and without valid excuse breaks their Ramadan fast. It is far more severe than fidyah.

Kaffarah consists of three levels (in order):

• 1. Freeing a slave: Not applicable in modern times.
• 2. Fasting 60 consecutive days: If even one day is missed (except menstruation and Eid days), the count restarts from the beginning.
• 3. Feeding 60 poor people for one day: This option is for those unable to fast 60 consecutive days.

Important:Kaffarah applies only to intentionally breaking a Ramadan fast. Eating or drinking by mistake does not require kaffarah — only a make-up (qaza) fast.

How to Calculate Fidyah

Calculating fasting fidyah is straightforward. The basic formula:

Explanation of variables:

• Fitrah amount: The sadaqah al-fitr rate set annually by the Diyanet (Turkish Religious Authority). For 2026, the estimated equivalent is approximately $5–$10 USD per day (varies by country and local standards).
• Number of missed days: The total Ramadan fasting days you could not observe and will never be able to make up.

Example: For someone who has been unable to fast for 5 years:

How to Calculate Kaffarah

Unlike fidyah, kaffarah is a fixed penalty per violation. Each intentionally broken fast day requires its own kaffarah:

Example: For someone who intentionally broke 2 days of fasting:

2026 Current Fidyah Rates

The fidyah amount is based on the sadaqah al-fitr (fitrah) rate determined annually by religious authorities. Rates vary by country:

Note: You should not pay less than the fitrah amount. Paying more is permissible and carries additional reward.

Who Must Pay Fidyah?

Fidyah applies to those who cannot fast and have no prospect of being able to fast in the future:

• Old age: Elderly individuals too frail to fast. If there is no expectation of recovery, fidyah is paid.
• Chronic illness: Conditions such as diabetes, kidney failure, or cancer treatment that permanently prevent fasting.
• Pregnancy and breastfeeding: When pregnancy or nursing extends over multiple Ramadans. However, most scholars hold that make-up fasts should be observed once the condition ends.
• Severe manual labor: Those whose sole livelihood depends on heavy labor and who cannot fast without being unable to work (according to some scholars).

Important:For temporary illness or travel, fidyah does not apply — make-up (qaza) fasts are required instead. Fidyah is only for permanent inability to fast.

How to Pay Fidyah

Fidyah and kaffarah payments can be made in several ways:

• Cash payment: Give the fidyah amount directly to those in need.
• Food donation: Provide enough food to feed one person per missed day (approximately 1.667 kg of wheat or its equivalent).
• Charitable organizations: Pay through trusted Islamic charities such as Islamic Relief, Muslim Aid, or your local mosque.
• Lump-sum payment: Paying all fidyah at once is permissible. Many people pay at the beginning or end of Ramadan.

To track your fasting debt and fidyah calculations, use Kaza Defteri's free calculator tool.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between fidyah and kaffarah?

Fidyah is compensation for being unable to fast (feeding one poor person per day). Kaffarah is a penalty for intentionally breaking a fast (60 days of fasting or feeding 60 people). Kaffarah is far more severe.

Do I pay fidyah at current prices for past years?

Yes. According to the majority of scholars, fidyah is calculated at the fitrah rate on the day of payment, not the rate from the year the fast was missed.

Should pregnant or nursing women pay fidyah or make up their fasts?

This differs among schools of thought. In the Hanafi school, only make-up fasts are required. In the Shafi'i and Hanbali schools, both make-up fasts and fidyah may be required. Follow the guidance of your school of thought.

Can I pay fidyah in installments?

Yes, paying fidyah in portions over time is permissible. However, completing payment as soon as possible is considered more virtuous.

Must I give fidyah to the same person?

No. You may distribute fidyah among different people in need. However, it is preferable to give the full amount for one day to one person at a time.