However, not everyone can observe the fast due to factors that cannot be helped, such as health, temporary conditions or age. This is why Allah (SWT) created Fidya to help those who cannot fast for a valid reason fulfil their duty and earn immense rewards.

What is Fidya?

Fidya is a way for Muslims to make up for missed fasts during Ramadan. It acts as a payment that’s either a charitable donation made to a trusted organisation, like Orphans in Need, or a compensation that allows a Muslim to make up the fasts they missed later on in the Islamic year. So, if a believer has a valid reason to break their fast at any point during the month, they can give Fidya. The Fidya payment is only for those who meet the specific exemptions that are stated in the Quran, as these are seen as valid reasons. These include those who are elderly and too frail to fast, those who cannot fast due to medical reasons, those who are travelling and menstruating, pregnant or breastfeeding women.

Muslims who know that they cannot make up their missed fasts at a later date usually pay Fidya, with those who can make up their fasts doing so at another time in the year. The donation goes to those facing extreme poverty and hunger to provide them with nourishing meals that help them survive. It covers the cost of feeding one person in need two meals or two hungry people a one-time meal for each day a Muslim has missed their fast in Ramadan.

The Fidya Meaning and Purpose

It can be difficult to understand the Fidya meaning and purpose of this donation. For those who cannot fast for a valid reason at any point in Ramadan, giving Fidya provides them with the chance to observe the month correctly and fulfil their duty. It’s a fair and achievable way for these Muslims to make it up to Allah (SWT) for not being able to fast. The Fidya payment also lets them gain the rewards and benefits that the holy month brings to the fasting, going through the same spiritual cleansing as everyone else. Without this payment, believers who cannot fast for a good reason wouldn’t be able to fully participate in Ramadan or earn the blessings of the month. Fidya basically ensures that everyone can complete the Sawm pillar without putting their health and wellbeing at risk.

How Much is Fidya in 2026?

The cost of this donation varies slightly because it’s based on the price of common staple food items in your region. However, Fidya 2026 is around £5 per missed fast. This price is set for per person as well as per missed fast and should cover feeding someone two meals with basic food items. For example, if you cannot fast for the entire month, the total cost of your Fidya will be £150. This Fidya calculation will help to feed vulnerable people in need throughout the holy month, giving them a chance to survive through vital sustenance.

Who Pays Fidya?

Certain individuals who miss their fasts with valid reasons and cannot make them up later are eligible to pay Fidya instead. This includes:

• Elderly people who are physically unable to fast
• Those required to take medication that affects fasting
• People with short-term illnesses during Ramadan
• Individuals with chronic mental illnesses
• Pregnant individuals with fasting restrictions.

Fidya Payment and Distribution

Your Fidya payment should go directly to the poor and needy, just like Zakat does. At Orphans in Need, we use your donations to support those facing unimaginable devastation and challenging circumstances with healthy food that they don’t have access to. Your donation can transform their lives and bring hope for a brighter future through something as simple as a heartwarming meal. Without your Fidya, these vulnerable communities will go hungry and face starvation and malnourishment, causing serious health problems and threatening countless lives. Pay Fidya to end their suffering and save their lives.

What We Do with Your Fidya UK Donation

Using your Fidya UK donation, we directly support widows and orphans around the world who are facing extreme poverty and hardship. Our team provide struggling mothers and lone children with nourishing meals and the support they desperately need in poverty-stricken areas and crisis zones. Your payment can make a meaningful difference by giving two meals to an orphan or widow or one meal to two of these for each day you’ve missed your fast. This ensures that this Ramadan, struggling families and orphans with no one to turn to can finally end their hunger and have a greater chance at survival.

We work tirelessly to provide nourishing meals to these vulnerable people who don’t have the resources or funds to afford the basic necessities. On the ground, we work across 14 countries and feed countless children who are facing malnutrition. Your Fidya payment can spread hope to these families and vulnerable children and be the difference between life and death for many.

Donate Fidya and Save Lives

Donate Fidya this Ramadan to Orphans in Need and help save vulnerable orphans and widows lives. Your payment can bring health, happiness and relief to so many desperate lives through healthy meals they don’t usually get to access. Together, we can give them the support they urgently need and help them survive.

Pay Fidya now and bring hope for a better life away from endless suffering to orphans and widows around the world.