---
title: "Fidya and kaffarah: understand the difference"
description: "Distinguish making up a fast, fidya and kaffarah before calculating any feeding payment."
source: https://www.zakat-calculator.org.uk/fidya-kaffarah
retrieved: 2026-09-08T11:02:12.266Z
---
Ramadan giving
# Fidya and kaffarah: understand the difference

Distinguish making up a fast, fidya and kaffarah before calculating any feeding payment.

World Aid Network · Updated 8 September 2026 · 3 min read
[Calculate your Zakat →](https://www.zakat-calculator.org.uk/zakat-calculator) The quick answer
Fidya and kaffarah are different obligations. Fidya may apply where a person cannot fast and is not expected to regain the ability. Kaffarah applies to specific violations with school-specific conditions. A cash multiplication cannot decide which applies or replace an obligation to make up or fast when required.

## A missed fast does not always mean a payment

Temporary illness, travel and other valid reasons can involve making up a fast later. Permanent inability can involve fidya. Pregnancy, breastfeeding, recovery and delayed make-up fasts have additional differences between schools. Discuss health with a clinician and the religious obligation with a qualified scholar.

## Fidya feeding estimates

For a case where fidya is due, establish the number of relevant days and your chosen provider’s per-day feeding rate. The GBP rate varies; it is not fixed forever.
Worked example · illustrative figures
With 10 eligible days and an illustrative £5 rate, 10 × £5 = £50. If the provider’s current rate is different, update the rate before paying.

## Kaffarah is not simply a fee for every missed fast

Whether kaffarah applies depends on the act and circumstances, with differences between schools. For relevant fasting violations, the expiation may involve a prescribed order including fasting and, where the conditions permit, feeding 60 people in need. Do not present payment as an unconditional alternative to fasting.

Repeated violations and the number of expiations require a ruling; a count of missed days is not necessarily the number of feeding obligations. This site’s feeding estimator only multiplies a confirmed obligation by a chosen cost.

## Choose the right destination

Confirm that the recipient organisation can fulfil the required feeding and timing conditions. A general medical donation does not automatically fulfil a feeding obligation. Keep these payments separate from Zakat al-Mal and from voluntary Sadaqah.

## Sources & calculation method

Sources checked on 8 September 2026. External organisations publish their own guidance; a citation does not imply their endorsement of this website.
- [Islamic Relief UK: fidya](https://www.islamic-relief.org.uk/giving/islamic-giving/ramadan/fidya/)
- [UK Islamic Mission: kaffarah questions](https://www.ukim.org/media-centre/latest-news-%26-updates/kaffarah-common-faqs/)

This is educational guidance. We identify differences where relevant and do not claim a named scholarly review. For a personal ruling, consult a qualified scholar familiar with your circumstances. [Our editorial policy](https://www.zakat-calculator.org.uk/editorial-policy).