FIDYAH A person who cannot fast due to extreme weakness, old age or has a chronic illness (or other health reason) from which they have no apparent hope of recovery is Islamically allowed to feed an indigent person, or give away its cost, instead as atonement for every fast. This is called Fidyah in shariah. How much is Fidyah? The Fidyah for one day of fast is equal to an average person’s two meals for that day. Think about what the cost is for what you consider an average meal any given day. It may differ based on your economic status and the locality you live in. Multiply that by two, and that should be your payment for each fast missed. Scholars in the past have considered Fidyah the same as Zakatul Fitr. Other scholars have considered it equal to 3.5 lbs. of wheat grain or 7 lbs. of barley, which might be still relevant to countries where that is the staple diet. We believe if you donate the cost of your two average meals a day to a Muslim charity in the West, (particularly one that regularly feeds poor people), your Fidyah is done. Eligibility for Fidyah? Eligibility to pay Fidyah is based on the following valid reasons for not fasting: Old age (the elderly who are not fit to fast) Chronic Illness Handicap (one that specifically makes it harder for a person to maintain their fast) Allah says in the Qur’an: “And as for those who can fast with difficulty, they have a choice either to fast or to feed a poor person (for every day). But whoever does good of his own accord, it is better for him. And that you fast, it is better if only you know.” - (2:184) When Fidyah should be paid The sooner the better. It is typically preferred to pay it before the next Ramadan, especially since you never know if you will live to see the next Ramadan. What if a person paid Fidyah while they were ill, and later regained health? If this is the case, it is recommended for the person to, once they have regained their health, make up the missed days of fast. The Fidyah they paid will count as charity, Sadaqah, for them. Can a dying Muslim make a will for Fidyah? Yes. He or she can make a will to pay Fidyah for the days of fasting missed, provided that it does not exceed the third of their total wealth. If a dying person has not made a will, the heirs may pay off Fidyah for his missed fasts, hoping from Allah that He will accept it. Is there a Fidyah for one’s missed prayers? Fidyah for missed prayer is the same as missed fast. The heirs cannot fast or pray for the dead person. Some other issues regarding Fidyah: Those giving Fidyah should pay the Fidyah with the intention that, if they were to later regain their health, they would make up the missed fast(s). If an ill person dies before having paid the Fidyah, then it is not compulsory on their children/heirs to pay Fidyah on their behalf (unless it is written in the deceased’s will). Furthermore, they cannot fast the deceased person’s missed days. It is not permissible for one person to fast for another person, be they sick or fit. However, food can be given to the poor on behalf of the deceased Source; zakat.org/what-we-do/seasonal-programs-and-aqeeqah/fidyah/
Posted on: Sun, 28 Jul 2013 10:19:57 +0000
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