Is there any difference between Kaffarah and Fidyah?

A. There is a difference between Kaffarah and Fidyah.

The term Kaffarah refers to a person intentionally breaking his/her fast for no valid Shari’ reason by either eating, drinking or engaging in conjugal relations with his wife during the fasts of Ramadaan. In the case of Kaffarah becoming obligatory on a person, a person will have to fast for 60 days consecutively. If a person cannot fast for 60 days consecutively due to a valid Shari’ reason, for e.g., old age or a chronic illness, then he would have to feed 60 poor people two full meals a day, or feed one poor person two full meals a day for 60 days. The average type of a meal is 1.6kg of wheat or flour or its value. (Maraaqil Falaah 1/250/1)

The term Fidyah refers to a person who is unable to fast due to ill health and is excused from fasting in the month of Ramadaan. If he has no hope of recovering, then he is obligated to make up for it by giving Fidyah to the poor.

The Fidyah amount per fast is 1.6kgs of wheat or flour or its value.

The Fidyah per fast or the entire month of Ramadaan may be given after the commencement of Ramadaan to one poor person over a period of thirty days; or to thirty people in one day; or the entire amount may also be given to one person in one day. (Shaami 2/74)

Allah Ta’ala Knows Best

Mufti Ismaeel Bassa