The command to pay fiyda is for the Shaykh al Faani. The Shaykh al Faani is the individual who is unable to fast due to advanced old age. Fasting itself would cause such an individual to become ill and possibly lead to death. This also applies to the youth under similar circumstances. Some organizations have suggested as low as $5.00 per meal. This is unrealistic in the United States . Those eligible to pay Fidya should have a meal prepared to their own standards. Taking into account the meal they would prefer under the same circumstances. Those who have the means can deliver two full meals to the smaller masaajid. Many larger Islamic Organizations usually have food leftover. The average cost of a "full Halal meal" in todays economy is $15.00. This would amount to $30.00 per day if not preparing the meal onself. It is encouraged to actualy feed a fasting person as oppposed to giving money.
According to Hanafi Fiqh, Fidya for Ramadhan is only paid by “a person who is not able to fast at all.” This entails that the expiatory payment only applies for people whom, due to health considerations:
- Cannot fast in Ramadan and
- Cannot make up for the missed fasts at any other time of the year and
- Are not expected to ever regain the ability to make up for the missed fasts
All three conditions must be fulfilled. Otherwise one does not pay Fidya payments but has to perform the missing fasts.
Thus, according to Hanafi Fiqh
- There is no Fidya for a woman with child,
- or nursing woman who does not fast during Ramadan. She performs Qadha (make-up) fasts.
- There is no Fidya if one was to delay making-up missed fasts for the current Ramadan until the next Ramadan entered.
A young person due to health considerations that is unable to fast and is not expected to regain the ability to fast, can pay Fidya. The amount is the same as for an old person.
Fidya is feeding one person two full meals a day or two people one full meal for each day missed. The person receiving the meal should be fed with dignity and fed the same types and quality of food as the one paying fidya eats. If there is difficulty preparing the meals, the cost of the meals may also be handed over to the needy individual. Fidya funds can be handed off to any Islamic organization capable of distributing these funds. A distinct record of the amount collected must be kept so that these funds are not used for any other purpose.
For the complete picture see common misconceptions surrounding Fidya.
