In Ramadan if a person is unable to fast because he/she is elderly or sick with no hope of recovery, then he/she is not obliged to fast.
Instead he/she should feed one poor person for each day (Fidyah).
How to perform the Fidyah
With regard to the manner of feeding, one has the choice between giving each poor person half a Saa’ of food such as rice and the like or making food and inviting the poor to eat.
Save a life, provide food, bring happiness to a family this Ramadan. Let us show our gratitude to Allah for the many different blessings He has given us by helping the less fortunate.
Our team have been distributing food parcels to families in desperate need, helping them cope with the impact of conflict, and to help them to recover and resume their childhoods.
Check out how you’re making a difference to families facing starvation.
“O you who believe! Observing As-Sawm (the fasting) is prescribed for you as it was prescribed for those before you, that you may become Al-Muttaqoon (the pious).” [2:183]
1- Those for whom there is the hope of recovery, such as those with temporary sickness from which there is the hope of recovery.
All they have to do is wait until they are better, then fast. If it so happens that the sickness continues and the person dies before recovering, then there is no sin on him, because Allah has only enjoined him to make it up from other days, but he died before those other days came. This is like a person who dies in Sha’baan before Ramadan begins – so it should not be made up on his behalf.
2- ases where sickness is ongoing, such as cancers, kidney disease, diabetes, and similar chronic diseases where there is no hope of recovery. These people are allowed not to fast in Ramadan, but they have to feed one poor person for each day, like old men and women who are unable to fast, so they may not fast and should feed one poor person for each day.
What about an elderly woman who was unable to fast – what should she do?
“She should feed one poor person for each day, giving half a Saa’ of the local staple food, such as dates or rice equivalent to approximately one and a half kilograms.”
This was stated by a number of the companions of the Prophet (peace be upon him), such as Ibn ‘Abbaas (may Allah be pleased with him).
No, paying cash does not count as the Fidyah for not fasting.
Actual food must be given because Allah says:
“And as for those who can fast with difficulty, (e.g. an old man), they have (a choice either to fast or) to feed a Miskeen (poor person) (for every day)”
Crisis Aid distributes actual food.
Crisis Aid feeds the poor and needy on your behalf and the cost for Fidyah is £3 per day.
Please calculate £3 per day by the number of fasts you need to make up for.
The Prophet ﷺ said,"Whoever guides someone to goodness will have a reward equal to it." Source Sahih Muslim 1893
