If you are unable to fast during Ramadan, or have broken a fast without a valid reason, Islam provides a way to fulfil your obligation. Choose the option that applies to you.
Fidya is a compensation for those who cannot fast during Ramadan due to a long-term illness, old age, or a condition that is not expected to improve. For each day of fasting missed, you are required to feed one person in need.
Kaffarah is an expiation required when a person deliberately breaks their Ramadan fast without a valid Islamic reason. The obligation is to fast for 60 consecutive days. If you are genuinely unable to do so, you must feed 60 people in need for each fast broken.
Every meal matters
If you missed fasts due to a temporary illness, travel, menstruation, or pregnancy, you are expected to make up the missed days before the next Ramadan. In this case, neither Fidya nor Kaffarah is required.
Fidya applies only when you are permanently unable to fast. Kaffarah applies only when you deliberately broke a fast without a valid reason. If you are unsure, consult a scholar.
“And upon those who are able [to fast, but with hardship] — a ransom of feeding a poor person.”
— Qur’an, Surah Al-Baqarah (2:184)