Fidya vs Zakat:
ZAKAT
- Wealth purification
- 2.5% of savings
- Annual obligation
- For those above Nisab
FIDYA (فدية) for missed fasts
Who qualifies:
- Only someone permanently unable to fast who also cannot make up the fasts (qada) at any later time including the shorter, cooler months
- If you are able to fast at some other time, Fidya is NOT permitted the missed fasts must be made up (qada)
- A temporary illness does not qualify - such a person makes qada when able, and Fidya is not permitted
- If the ability to fast returns after Fidya has been paid, the Fidya does not count and the missed fasts must be made up (qada)
- If a person dies in that illness without ever regaining the ability to fast, neither qada nor Fidya is owed
Per missed fast:
- Feed one poor person two meals, or give the equivalent in food or cash
- In grain: half a sa' of wheat, approximately 1.75 kg, with 2 kg commonly given for precaution
- Dates or raisins: the quantity doubles - 3.5 kg on the 1.75 kg basis, 4 kg on the 2 kg basis - or the equivalent value
Cash value:
The cash equivalent tracks current grain prices and changes there is no fixed yearly figure.
KAFFARAH (كفارة)
- Penalty for intentionally breaking fast
- Feed 60 poor people
- Different from Fidya
These are separate obligations!
For your specific situation, please consult a qualified scholar or your local mosque.
And Allah knows best.