What counts as a "staple food" for Fidya?

Traditionally wheat, barley, dates, or rice — whatever counts as a dietary staple in the relevant tradition or region. Many people today pay the cash equivalent instead of the physical food, which is what this calculator computes.

Why is the per-day weight adjustable instead of fixed?

Because fatwa councils and schools of thought genuinely disagree on the exact weight, commonly cited between about 1.5kg and 2kg per day. Rather than silently picking one figure, this calculator lets you enter your own council's published amount.

Can I pay Fidya for missed fasts from previous years?

Yes — Fidya isn't time-limited to the same Ramadan; if the condition preventing fasting (e.g. a chronic illness) has continued, outstanding Fidya from earlier years can still be paid.

Who can receive Fidya payments?

Fidya is paid to the poor and needy (masakin), similar to some Zakat-eligible categories — meant to feed people who lack sufficient means, whether directly with food or its cash equivalent.

Is Fidya the same as Zakat al-Fitr?

No — they're separate obligations. Zakat al-Fitr is a fixed, universal obligation due from every Muslim at the end of Ramadan regardless of fasting ability; Fidya specifically compensates for fast days permanently missed due to age or chronic illness.

Can I combine Fidya with Kaffarah?

No — they apply to different situations. Fidya applies when someone is permanently unable to fast; Kaffarah is a heavier expiation specifically for deliberately breaking a fast without any valid excuse. Use the separate Kaffarah calculator for that case.

Does pregnancy or breastfeeding require Fidya instead of fasting?

This is genuinely debated — some scholars require only qada for a pregnant or nursing woman who cannot fast, others require Fidya as well or instead in certain circumstances. Since views differ by school and situation, consult a knowledgeable scholar.

What if my condition improves after I've already paid Fidya?

Scholarly views vary. As a general principle, if someone genuinely expected no recovery and later unexpectedly recovers, some scholars hold the original obligation was validly discharged, while others discuss whether qada may still apply — this is best directed to a knowledgeable scholar.

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Islamic Tools

Fidya Calculator

Compensation owed for fasts permanently unable to be made up.

🔒 Runs entirely in your browser — nothing here is ever uploaded

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Last reviewed 2026-09-06

About the Fidya Calculator

Computes the total Fidya owed for fasting days permanently unable to be made up, based on a per-day staple-food weight and price.

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How to use it

Enter the number of days.
Enter the staple food weight per day (adjustable).
Enter the staple food's price per kg.
Read the total Fidya due.

Formula

Total Fidya = missed days × staple food weight per day (kg) × price per kg.

Worked example

10 missed days at 2kg/day and $3/kg: $60 total Fidya.

Per-day Fidya feeding weight — commonly cited range

Per-day Fidya feeding weight — commonly cited range
Reference point	Weight per day
Lower end commonly cited	~1.5 kg of wheat/rice or equivalent
Default used in this calculator	2 kg of wheat/rice or equivalent
Your local fatwa council	Check their currently published Ramadan cash-equivalent figure

Interpreting your result

The exact per-day weight is genuinely disputed — commonly cited figures range from about 1.5kg to 2kg of wheat/rice (or its cash value) depending on school and local fatwa council, so it's an adjustable input here rather than a silently fixed number. Fidya applies only when recovery isn't expected (old age, a chronic illness); if recovery is expected, the fast must instead be made up later (qada).

Recommendations

• Check your local fatwa council's published per-day rate for the most locally accurate figure — many councils publish an updated cash-equivalent amount each Ramadan.

Frequently asked questions

Someone permanently unable to fast, such as due to old age or a chronic illness with no expected recovery — anyone who expects to recover instead owes qada (making up the fast later), not Fidya.