Fedyah (Fidya) serves as a compassionate provision in Islam for those unable to fast during Ramadan due to genuine reasons such as old age, illness, or disability. In place of the missed fasts, one is required to feed a less fortunate individual for each day of fasting that they couldn’t observe. However, if circumstances like illness or travel caused someone temporarily unable to fast, they should compensate by observing these fasts at a later time when they’re able.
The first set of exemptions relate to temporary conditions, such as illness, travel, or physiological conditions like pregnancy and breastfeeding. Individuals who fall into this category, when utilizing this exemption, are required to compensate by fasting an equivalent number of days after Ramadan when they are capable.
For these individuals, there’s no need to pay a compensation fee, known as fidyah, for their missed fasting days. This is because their reasons for missing the fast do not necessitate such payments. The foundation for this exemption is found in the Quran:
Furthermore, with regard to pregnancy and breastfeeding, their exemption is based on the equivalence of their hardship to that of sickness. It’s also worth noting that the respected Companion Ibn ‘Abbas reportedly advised his wife, who was either pregnant or breastfeeding, that she fell under the category of those finding it challenging to fast, alluding to the Quran’s mention of such individuals.
The second category encompasses those with permanent reasons, such as old age-related infirmities or chronic illnesses rendering fasting an insurmountable challenge. For these individuals, there’s a requirement to offer a compensatory fee, fidyah, for each missed day. However, they aren’t obligated to make up for the missed fasts. The basis for this ruling is from the Quran:
