In the name of Allah the beneficent the merciful
Before the coming of the month of Ramadan
Here are some rulings regarding Qadha (make-up) fasts and offering Fidyah & Kaffarah (expiation)...
Qadha Fasting:
- If one has missed days of fasting during the month of Ramadan last year, then it is a religious recommendation to make up those fasts before the upcoming month of Ramadan.
- If one has days of fast to make up but does not make them up before the upcoming month of Ramadan intentionally, the person is still held religiously liable (to make the days up at a later time) and must offer afidyah for each day missed by feeding one poor person (as defined by the religious criteria).
Those Unable to Fast:
- Those incapable of fasting, such as the elderly, those who cannot fast due to illnesses, and those who go through desperate situations temporarily preventing them from fasting such as some pregnant women and some nursing mothers, must offer the fidyah.
- The fidyah is feeding one poor person for each day in which fasting was missed during the month of Ramadan.
The Fidyah and the Kaffarah:
- The Fidyah: A compensation paid for not being able to fast. It is to feed one poor person for each day. The one incapable of fasting, thus, offers thirty meals to the poor.
- The Kaffarah for delaying the Qadha fasting: To feed a poor person for each day, in addition to being obligated to perform the Qadha fast.
- The Kaffarah for intentionally breaking one's fast during the month of Ramadan: Either fasting for sixty days, or feeding sixty poor persons, for each day missed.
- It is permissible to offer the entire Fidyah to a single poor person, but the Kaffarah of feeding sixty persons must be offered to distinct individuals.
- When it comes to the Fidyah and the Kaffarah, nothing but "feeding" suffices. As for how much food, it is the average amount which we usually feed ourselves and our families. According to Islamic law, it must be the equivalent of at least 750 grams (1.65 lbs.) of wheat, rice or dates.
- It is permissible to pay money with the condition of delegating the appropriate entity, or trustworthy person, or the poor person him/herself, so long as one feels assured that the food will be bought and offered. It is not permissible to purchase anything but food with the money.
Note:
Contrary to common belief, in the United States there are many poor and needy persons who are in need of food. For this reason, our organization, in collaboration with other charitable entities and relevant organizations, in the United States, takes on the responsibility of feeding the poor and needy. You can send the required Fidyah andKaffarah by following links:
May God accept your fasts and good deeds, and may every year pass you by in the best of health and spirits.
Department of Religious Affairs
I.M.A.M.
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