Kaffarah in the UK: When Is It Required?
Kaffarah is an important concept in Islamic law that refers to an act of expiation or compensation required in certain situations when a religious obligation has been violated. For Muslims in the UK, one of the most common questions is about Kaffarah for deliberately breaking a Ramadan fast and how it should be fulfilled.
Understanding when Kaffarah is required is important because it is different from Fidyah, which applies in different circumstances. Kaffarah may involve fasting for a specific period or, when a person is unable to do so, feeding people in need.
This guide explains when Kaffarah is required in Islam, how Kaffarah works in the UK, how much it may cost, and the difference between Kaffarah and Fidyah.
What Is Kaffarah?
Kaffarah is an act of expiation required for certain violations of Islamic obligations. In the context of Ramadan fasting, Kaffarah may be required when a person deliberately breaks a fast without a valid Islamic reason.
Islamic Relief UK’s scholar-reviewed 2026 guidance explains Kaffarah as charitable compensation for intentionally breaking a Ramadan fast without a valid reason. It also explains that the primary form of expiation is continuous fasting for 60 days; if a person is unable to do this, feeding 60 poor people is an alternative described in its guidance.
Kaffarah should therefore not simply be treated as an ordinary charitable donation. It is connected to a specific religious obligation and should be fulfilled according to the applicable Islamic ruling.
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| Kaffarah in the UK |
When Is Kaffarah Required for Fasting?
Kaffarah may be required when a person deliberately breaks a Ramadan fast without a valid excuse.
For example, if an able Muslim intentionally starts a Ramadan fast and then knowingly eats or drinks during the fasting period without a valid reason, Kaffarah may become applicable according to the relevant school of Islamic jurisprudence.
The important point is that not every missed or broken fast automatically requires Kaffarah.
There are circumstances where a person may have a valid reason for not fasting, such as illness or another recognised excuse. In such situations, the ruling may instead involve making up the missed fast later or paying Fidyah, depending on the circumstances.
Because detailed rulings can differ depending on the situation and madhhab, anyone uncertain about whether their particular fast requires Kaffarah should consult a qualified Islamic scholar.
How Is Kaffarah Paid in the UK?
For Ramadan fasting, Kaffarah is generally associated with 60 consecutive days of fasting. If a person is genuinely unable to complete this form of expiation, charitable feeding may be used according to the applicable ruling.
Islamic Relief UK currently explains that a person who deliberately breaks a Ramadan fast should fast continuously for 60 days. If they are unable to do this, its 2026 guidance gives the alternative of feeding 60 poor people.
This means that Muslims in the UK may fulfil the charitable component through an appropriate charity that collects Kaffarah and distributes food to people in need.
However, the exact monetary amount is not a universal fixed UK price. Charity rates can differ according to the food cost and calculation method being used.
For example, Islamic Relief UK lists its 2026 Kaffarah rate at £300 per deliberately broken Ramadan fast, based on £5 per person for 60 people.
Other organisations may publish different rates, so it is important to check the current rate and methodology of the charity you choose rather than assuming that one amount applies everywhere.
How Much Is Kaffarah in the UK in 2026?
For 2026, Islamic Relief UK states:
£5 per person
60 people
£300 per deliberately broken Ramadan fast
This is the rate published by Islamic Relief UK for its Kaffarah service.
The amount can change from year to year and may differ between organisations. Therefore, if you are preparing a payment in the UK, check the current Kaffarah rate directly with the charity or scholar you are following.
It is also important to understand that the £300 figure is not necessarily a universal Islamic monetary amount. It is a charity's current monetary calculation for feeding 60 people.
Kaffarah vs Fidyah: What Is the Difference?
One of the most common questions is: “Is Kaffarah the same as Fidyah?”
No. They are different.
Fidyah generally applies when someone is unable to fast for a valid reason and cannot reasonably make up the missed fast later. For example, a person with a permanent illness or someone who is too elderly to fast may fall into circumstances where Fidyah is relevant.
Kaffarah, on the other hand, is associated with certain deliberate violations, including intentionally breaking a Ramadan fast without a valid reason.
A simple way to remember the distinction is:
Fidyah: compensation connected with a valid inability to fast when making up the fast is not possible.
Kaffarah: expiation connected with certain deliberate violations.
The correct ruling depends on the circumstances, so these terms should not be used interchangeably.
Do I Need Kaffarah If I Miss a Fast Because of Illness?
Generally, a person who is temporarily ill and unable to fast does not simply pay Kaffarah because they missed the fast.
Instead, the missed fast may need to be made up later, once the person is able to fast. Islamic Relief UK distinguishes between valid reasons for missing a fast and deliberately breaking a fast without a valid reason.
If an illness is permanent or a person is unlikely to be able to make up the fast, Fidyah may become relevant.
Because medical circumstances vary, Muslims with long-term illnesses should seek advice from a qualified scholar rather than deciding independently that Kaffarah is required.
What About Accidentally Eating or Drinking?
Accidentally eating or drinking while fasting is different from intentionally breaking a fast.
Kaffarah is concerned with deliberate violations, not genuine accidents or mistakes. Islamic guidance therefore distinguishes intentional breaking of a fast from circumstances where a person did not deliberately violate the fast.
If you accidentally ate or drank while fasting and are unsure about the status of your fast, ask a qualified scholar about your specific situation.
Can I Pay Kaffarah Online From the UK?
Yes, UK Muslims can use online charitable services to fulfil the charitable component of Kaffarah where the organisation offers this service.
Before making an online payment, check:
Whether the organisation clearly offers Kaffarah, rather than only Fidyah or general Sadaqah.
How the charity calculates its Kaffarah amount.
Where the food or assistance will be distributed.
Whether the charity is properly registered.
Whether the payment page belongs to the genuine organisation.
The UK Charity Commission recommends checking a charity's registration and being cautious with unsolicited donation requests, fake websites, emails and social-media appeals.
Can Kaffarah Be Given Through a Charity?
A person may use a suitable charity to help fulfil the feeding requirement where the charity's Kaffarah programme is structured accordingly.
This can be particularly practical for Muslims living in the UK who cannot personally identify and feed the required number of eligible people.
However, it is wise to understand exactly what the charity does with the payment. Read its Kaffarah information and make sure it explains how the funds are used.
Do not assume that a general donation automatically counts as Kaffarah. The intention and the charity's specific Kaffarah programme should be clear.
What If I Am Unsure Whether Kaffarah Is Due?
Islamic rulings can become complicated when circumstances involve illness, travel, medication, forgetfulness, menstruation, pregnancy, breastfeeding, multiple missed fasts or different interpretations between schools of Islamic jurisprudence.
If you are unsure, do not simply calculate an amount online and assume that it settles the matter.
Instead:
Write down exactly what happened.
Note whether the fast was deliberately broken.
Consider whether there was a valid Islamic excuse.
Check whether the fast can be made up later.
Ask a qualified scholar who understands your madhhab and circumstances.
This can help prevent accidentally paying the wrong type of compensation.
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| Kaffarah in the UK |
Final Thoughts
Kaffarah in the UK is generally associated with expiation for certain deliberate violations, particularly intentionally breaking a Ramadan fast without a valid reason. For Ramadan fasting, the primary form described in current Islamic Relief UK guidance is 60 consecutive days of fasting; where a person cannot do this, its 2026 guidance gives feeding 60 poor people as the alternative.
The monetary amount used by charities can vary. Islamic Relief UK's current 2026 rate is £300 per deliberately broken fast, based on £5 for each of 60 people.
Most importantly, Kaffarah should not be confused with Fidyah. If you are uncertain which ruling applies to you, consult a qualified Islamic scholar before making a payment.
When paying online in the UK, also check that the charity is genuine and registered, and use its official donation channels. The Charity Commission continues to advise donors to verify charities and be cautious about suspicious online appeals.
Frequently Asked Questions About Kaffarah in the UK
Is Kaffarah compulsory?
Kaffarah is required in circumstances where Islamic law makes expiation necessary. For deliberately broken Ramadan fasts, the applicable ruling should be considered according to the circumstances and relevant school of jurisprudence.
How much is Kaffarah in the UK in 2026?
Islamic Relief UK lists £300 for one deliberately broken Ramadan fast in 2026, based on feeding 60 people at £5 each. Other organisations may use different rates.
Is Kaffarah the same as Fidyah?
No. Fidyah generally relates to a valid inability to fast when the fast cannot be made up, while Kaffarah relates to certain violations requiring expiation.
Can I pay Kaffarah online?
Yes, if a reputable charity provides a specific Kaffarah service. Always check the charity's current instructions and registration before donating.
Do I have to pay Kaffarah if I was genuinely ill?
Not necessarily. A temporary illness may mean the missed fast is made up later, while a permanent inability may involve Fidyah. Your individual circumstances should be assessed according to Islamic guidance.
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