Questions for a scholar
Missed fasts and fidya: a cautious plain-language guide
A missed fast does not have one identical remedy in every situation. The reason for missing it, whether the inability is temporary, and the school of law you follow can all matter.
Three terms that should not be mixed up
Qada means making up a missed fast on another day. Fidya is compensation, commonly discussed as feeding a person in need, in circumstances recognised by Islamic law. Kaffara is an expiation that can apply to certain violations; it is not simply another name for fidya.
These terms do not create a menu from which someone can choose the most convenient option. A scholar needs the circumstances before explaining what applies.
Temporary illness or travel
Quran 2:185 discusses illness and travel and making up an equal number of days later. If the reason is temporary and a person can make up the fasts, donating money should not automatically be assumed to replace them.
Keep a private record of missed days and the reasons, to the best of your knowledge. If you are uncertain about the number, explain that honestly to a qualified scholar rather than inventing certainty.
When fidya needs individual guidance
Fidya is often discussed for a person with a lasting inability to fast, but eligibility and implementation require care. Pregnancy, breastfeeding, chronic illness and old age should not be reduced to a single internet rule; scholarly approaches and individual circumstances differ.
Ask whether qada, fidya or another obligation applies, who may receive it, and how it should be provided. Amounts and accepted forms can depend on local guidance and food costs. This guide gives no fixed cash amount and does not collect payments.
What to bring to a scholar
Explain whether a fast was not begun or was broken, why it happened, and whether you expect to be able to fast later. Deliberately missing or breaking a fast may raise questions of repentance and additional obligations; do not diagnose these from a generic article.
A clinician can advise about health and treatment, while a qualified scholar can explain religious obligations using those facts. Seek both kinds of help where needed instead of treating either role as a substitute for the other.
- How many days are known or estimated?
- Was the reason temporary or ongoing?
- Is there relevant medical advice?
- Which school or trusted local guidance do you follow?
Frequently asked questions
Can I pay fidya instead of making up any missed fast?
Do not assume this. When a person can make up fasts after a temporary reason, a payment is not automatically a substitute. Ask a qualified scholar about your circumstances.
Is fidya the same as kaffara?
No. Fidya and kaffara refer to different obligations and circumstances. A scholar can explain whether either applies to a particular case.
What is the fidya amount in Pakistan?
This guide does not set a fixed amount. Ask a qualified local scholar or trusted institution about eligibility, the current amount, recipients and accepted method of giving.
Sources
Find the times for your location
Fajr marks the end of sehri and Maghrib marks iftar in the iftar.si timetable.