Missed Ramadan Fasts: Fidyah, Kaffarah and Making Up Fasts Explained
Missing a Ramadan fast can happen for different reasons. A person may be ill, travelling, elderly, pregnant, breastfeeding, or unable to fast because of a long-term health condition. In other situations, someone may deliberately break a Ramadan fast without a valid reason.
Because the circumstances are different, not every missed Ramadan fast is dealt with in the same way.
Depending on the situation, a Muslim may need to make up the missed fast (Qada), pay Fidyah, or fulfil Kaffarah. Understanding the difference is important for Muslims in the UK who want to complete their Ramadan obligations correctly.
This guide explains what happens when you miss a Ramadan fast, when you should make it up, when Fidyah may apply, when Kaffarah may be required, and what British Muslims should know about these options.
What Does Islam Say About Missed Ramadan Fasts?
The Qur’an provides guidance for people who are unable to fast because of illness or travel.
Surah Al-Baqarah 2:185 explains that a person who is ill or travelling should make up the same number of days at another time. The verse also emphasises that Allah intends ease rather than hardship.
This establishes an important principle:
A missed fast does not automatically mean that Fidyah or Kaffarah is required.
For many people, the correct action is simply to make up the missed fast later.
The reason for missing or breaking the fast is therefore extremely important.
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| Missed Ramadan Fasts |
What Is Qada for Missed Ramadan Fasts?
Qada means making up an obligatory act that was missed.
In the context of Ramadan, Qada usually means fasting another day after Ramadan to replace a missed Ramadan fast.
For example, if someone is temporarily ill during Ramadan and cannot fast for five days, they may need to fast five days later when they have recovered.
Similarly, a traveller who does not fast may generally make up the missed days after Ramadan. The Qur’an specifically mentions that those who are ill or travelling should complete the same number of days at another time.
Example of Qada
Imagine a Muslim misses seven Ramadan fasts because of a temporary illness.
After Ramadan, the person recovers and is able to fast.
In this situation, the person would generally make up the seven missed fasts rather than automatically paying Fidyah.
The exact details can depend on the person's circumstances and school of Islamic jurisprudence.
When Should Missed Fasts Be Made Up?
A person who is temporarily unable to fast should make up the missed days once they are able to do so.
For example, someone who becomes ill during Ramadan may wait until they recover and then complete the missed fasts.
There is no need to deliberately make the situation harder than necessary. The Qur’an states that Allah intends ease for believers and does not intend hardship.
However, Muslims should avoid unnecessarily delaying their outstanding Ramadan fasts.
If someone has accumulated missed fasts from previous Ramadans, they should keep a record of the number of days and make a practical plan to complete them.
What Is Fidyah?
Fidyah is a form of compensation involving feeding a person in need for a missed fast in circumstances where the person is unable to fast and is not expected to be able to make up the fast later.
The Qur’an mentions feeding a needy person as compensation in connection with fasting.
Current Islamic guidance commonly explains Fidyah in relation to people such as:
Elderly people who are permanently unable to fast
People with long-term conditions that prevent them from fasting
People who are not expected to regain the ability to make up the missed fasts
Islamic Relief's current guidance describes Fidyah as applicable when someone is permanently unable to fast and cannot make the fasts up later. It also states that Fidyah is given to poor and needy people.
Important: Temporary Illness Is Different
If someone has a temporary illness and expects to recover, they should not automatically assume that Fidyah is required.
Instead, the missed fasts may need to be made up after recovery.
This distinction between temporary inability and permanent inability is one of the most important points when deciding between Qada and Fidyah.
Who May Need to Pay Fidyah?
Fidyah may apply to someone who is genuinely unable to fast and is not expected to regain the ability to make up the missed fasts.
For example, an elderly person who cannot physically tolerate fasting may fall into this category.
A person with a permanent or long-term medical condition may also potentially be eligible, depending on their circumstances and Islamic ruling.
However, medical conditions differ considerably. Someone should not decide solely from an online article that they are exempt from fasting.
A qualified Islamic scholar can consider the person's circumstances and relevant madhhab.
How Much Is Fidyah in the UK?
There is no single permanent UK Fidyah rate.
Charities may calculate Fidyah according to food prices and different scholarly methodologies.
For example, Islamic Relief currently lists its 2026 Fidyah rate at £5 per missed fast. Its guidance explains that the amount is intended to provide food for a person in need and notes that scholarly opinions can differ regarding the calculation.
Other UK charities may publish different amounts.
Therefore, if you are searching for “Fidyah amount UK 2026”, check the current rate of the charity you intend to use and, if necessary, follow the calculation recommended by your scholar or madhhab.
What Is Kaffarah?
Kaffarah is an act of expiation associated with certain violations of Islamic obligations.
In the context of Ramadan fasting, Kaffarah is commonly discussed when someone deliberately breaks a Ramadan fast without a valid reason.
It is therefore different from simply missing a fast because of illness or travel.
Current Islamic guidance distinguishes Fidyah from Kaffarah by explaining that Fidyah relates to inability to fast, while Kaffarah relates to certain deliberate violations.
Kaffarah can involve a much larger obligation than ordinary Fidyah.
For deliberately broken Ramadan fasts, the relevant expiation may involve 60 consecutive days of fasting, with feeding 60 poor people described as an alternative when a person is unable to complete that fasting requirement, according to the school of jurisprudence and circumstances.
Because the detailed ruling can differ between madhhabs, anyone who believes they owe Kaffarah should seek qualified Islamic advice.
Fidyah vs Kaffarah: What Is the Difference?
The simplest way to understand the difference is to look at the reason behind the missed or broken fast.
| Situation | Possible requirement |
|---|---|
| Temporary illness | Make up the fast later |
| Travel | Make up the missed fast later |
| Permanent inability to fast | Fidyah may apply |
| Old age preventing fasting | Fidyah may apply |
| Deliberately breaking a Ramadan fast without a valid reason | Kaffarah may apply |
| Accidentally eating or drinking | Does not automatically mean Kaffarah |
These are general principles. Specific situations can have different rulings depending on the circumstances and madhhab.
What If I Accidentally Eat or Drink?
Accidentally eating or drinking should not simply be treated as deliberately breaking a fast.
Kaffarah is connected with certain deliberate violations, so an accidental mistake is a different situation.
If this happens, the person should ask a qualified scholar about the specific circumstances, particularly if they are unsure whether the fast was invalidated.
It is important not to assume that every mistake creates a large Kaffarah obligation.
What About Pregnancy and Breastfeeding?
Pregnancy and breastfeeding can create questions about whether a woman should fast, make up missed fasts, or pay Fidyah.
The answer can depend on the reason for not fasting and the Islamic school being followed.
For this reason, pregnancy and breastfeeding should not be reduced to one universal rule.
A Muslim woman who is pregnant or breastfeeding and is concerned about fasting should seek advice from a qualified scholar who can consider her circumstances, including whether she fears harm to herself or her child.
Medical advice can also be important when considering whether fasting is safe.
Can Missed Ramadan Fasts Be Made Up After Ramadan?
Yes.
When Qada is required, the missed Ramadan fasts are made up after Ramadan.
For example, someone who missed ten days because of a temporary illness may fast ten replacement days later when they are healthy enough.
The Qur’an explicitly instructs people who were ill or travelling to complete the same number of days at another time.
A practical approach is to write down the number of missed days and create a manageable schedule.
What If I Do Not Know How Many Fasts I Missed?
Sometimes a person may have missed fasts over several years and no longer remember the exact number.
In such a situation, they should make a sincere and reasonable estimate based on what they remember.
Because Islamic rulings can differ regarding uncertainty, delays and outstanding fasts, someone with a large number of uncertain missed fasts should ask a qualified scholar for guidance.
Keeping a Ramadan fasting record each year can prevent this problem in the future.
Can I Pay Fidyah Online in the UK?
Yes, many Islamic charities allow Muslims in the UK to pay Fidyah online.
This can be useful for people who do not personally know eligible poor or needy recipients.
Islamic Relief's Fidyah guidance explains that its Fidyah donations support food assistance for people in need.
Before paying online:
Confirm that Fidyah actually applies to you.
Check the charity's current Fidyah rate.
Make sure you are using the official website.
Understand how the charity distributes the food.
Keep your payment receipt.
Remember that an ordinary donation is not automatically Fidyah. If you have a Fidyah obligation, select a dedicated Fidyah service or follow your scholar's instructions.
Should I Pay Fidyah or Make Up My Fast?
This depends mainly on whether you are expected to regain the ability to fast.
A simple guide is:
Temporary illness → usually make up the missed fast later.
Travel → usually make up the missed fast later.
Permanent inability to fast → Fidyah may apply.
Deliberately breaking a Ramadan fast without a valid reason → Kaffarah may apply.
These are general guidelines, not a personal fatwa.
If you have a medical condition, complicated fasting history, pregnancy, breastfeeding situation, or deliberate broken fast, speak with a qualified scholar before deciding what you owe.
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| Missed Ramadan Fasts |
Final Thoughts
Missed Ramadan fasts should not all be treated in the same way.
The Qur’an makes clear that someone who is ill or travelling can make up the missed days later. For someone who is permanently unable to fast, Fidyah may apply, involving feeding a needy person for each missed day.
Kaffarah is different. It relates to certain deliberate violations, including deliberately breaking a Ramadan fast without a valid reason.
Therefore, before making a payment, ask yourself three important questions:
Why did I miss or break the fast?
Can I make up the fast later?
Does my situation require Qada, Fidyah or Kaffarah?
If you are unsure, consult a qualified Islamic scholar rather than relying solely on an online calculator.
For British Muslims, online Fidyah and Kaffarah services can make charitable distribution easier, but understanding the Islamic obligation should always come first.
Frequently Asked Questions
What should I do if I miss a Ramadan fast?
If you miss a fast because of a temporary illness or travel, you may generally need to make up the missed day later. The Qur’an specifically mentions making up missed days after illness or travel.
Do I pay Fidyah for every missed Ramadan fast?
No. Fidyah is not automatically required for every missed fast. Someone who is temporarily unable to fast may need to make up the fast later instead.
Who should pay Fidyah?
Fidyah may apply to people who are permanently unable to fast and cannot reasonably make up the missed fasts later, such as some elderly people or people with permanent health conditions.
What is Kaffarah for a broken fast?
Kaffarah is an expiation associated with certain deliberate violations of the Ramadan fast. The exact ruling can depend on the circumstances and madhhab.
Is Fidyah the same as Kaffarah?
No. Fidyah generally relates to a valid inability to fast when the fast cannot be made up later. Kaffarah relates to certain violations requiring expiation.
Can I pay Fidyah online from the UK?
Yes. UK Muslims can use reputable Islamic charities that provide dedicated Fidyah services. Check the charity's current rate and distribution policy before paying.
How much is Fidyah in the UK?
The amount varies according to the organisation and calculation method. Islamic Relief currently lists £5 per missed fast for 2026, but other organisations may use different rates.
Can I make up missed Ramadan fasts after Ramadan?
Yes. When Qada is required, missed fasts are made up after Ramadan. The Qur’an specifically refers to completing the same number of missed days at another time for those who are ill or travelling.
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