Religious Dues
Fidya & Kaffarah: What They Are and How to Give
Two distinct obligations that arise around fasting — here's what each means and how to fulfil it.
Compare
Fidya vs. Kaffarah
What Is Fidya?
Fidya applies when a fast cannot be made up — for example, due to a chronic illness or old age — and is paid instead of fasting, typically by feeding someone in need for each missed day.
Paid instead of fasting when a fast genuinely cannot be made up later.
What Is Kaffarah?
Kaffarah applies when a fast during Ramadan is broken deliberately without a valid excuse, requiring a greater act of expiation than Fidya.
A greater expiation, required when a fast is broken deliberately and without valid excuse.
Where It Goes
How WATAN USA Distributes Your Donation
Meals delivered
Your Fidya or Kaffarah goes toward meals for people in need.
Direct delivery
Distributed directly by our own teams on the ground.
100% donation
The full amount you give reaches the response.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Fidya?
Fidya is paid instead of fasting when a fast genuinely cannot be made up, typically by feeding someone in need for each day missed.
What is Kaffarah?
Kaffarah is a greater act of expiation required when a fast during Ramadan is broken deliberately, without a valid excuse.
What is the difference between Fidya and Kaffarah?
Fidya applies when a fast cannot be made up. Kaffarah applies when a fast is broken deliberately.
Can I pay Fidya for someone else?
Yes, you can pay Fidya on behalf of another person, such as a family member.
When should I pay?
Fidya and Kaffarah can be paid as soon as the obligation arises, though many donors give during Ramadan.