SANTRI EN – Sometimes due to various circumstances, we are forced to miss the Ramadan fast. In such cases, Islam provides two solutions: Fidyah vs Qadha.
This article will discuss fidyah and qadha, and help you understand which is better for making up missed Ramadan fasts.
The Importance of Making Up Missed Ramadan Fasts
Before discussing fidyah and qadha, it is important to remember that making up missed Ramadan fasts (qadha) is the primary obligation for those who have a fasting debt. This is based on the verse of Allah SWT in QS Al-Baqarah verse 184:
وَعَلَى الَّذِينَ هُمْ مَّرْضَىٰ أَوْ عَلَىٰ سَفَرٍ فَعَدَّةٌ مِنْ أَيَّامٍ أُخَرَ ۗ يُرِيدُ اللَّهُ بِكُمُ الْيُسْرَ وَلَا يُرِيدُ بِكُمُ الْعُسْرَ ۖ وَأَتِمُّوا الْعِدَّةَ وَصُوماً عَلَيْكُمْ ۚ فَمَنْ كَانَ مِنْكُمْ مَرِيضاً أَوْ عَلَىٰ سَفَرٍ فَلْيُصُمْ مِنْ أَيَّامٍ أُخَرَ ۚ وَعَلَى الَّذِينَ يُشْقُونَ فِدْيَهٌ طَعَامُ مِسْكِينٍ ۚ فَمَنْ تَطَوَّعَ مِنْكُمْ أَوْ أُرْدِيدَ فَعَلَيْهِ صيامٌ خَيْرٌ لَّكُمْ ۚ وَأَنْ تَصُومُوا أَفضلُ إنْ كُنْتُمْ تَعْلَمُونَ
Meaning: “And for those who are ill or on a journey, is the same number of other days. Allah intends for you ease and does not intend for you hardship. And complete the period and fast Ramadan. But whoever is ill or on a journey – then an equal number of days from others. And upon those who are old or unable to fast is a ransom, the feeding of one poor person. So whoever volunteers good in excess of that, it is better for him. And that you fast is best for you, if you only knew.” (QS Al-Baqarah: 184)
The verse explains that for those who are sick or traveling and are unable to fast, they must make up the fasts on other days.
Understanding Fidyah vs Qadha
Fidyah is a fine or compensation in the form of food given to a poor person for each missed Ramadan fast. The amount of fidyah is equivalent to one mud (about 750 grams) of staple food in the area where you live.
The ruling on paying fidyah is found in the last part of QS Al-Baqarah verse 184, which means: “And upon those who find it difficult to fast is a ransom, the feeding of one poor person.” (QS Al-Baqarah: 184)
Fidyah becomes an alternative for those who are unable (excused) to make up the Ramadan fasts and can no longer be expected to recover, such as:
- Elderly people who are no longer strong enough to fast.
- Permanently sick people who are not expected to recover.
Qadha literally means to replace. In the context of worship, qadha means making up missed Ramadan fasts outside of the month of Ramadan. Qadha fasting is done with the same intention and procedure as Ramadan fasting.
As mentioned earlier, making up missed Ramadan fasts (qadha) is the primary obligation. Qadha can be done at any time outside of Ramadan, except on days when fasting is prohibited. It is best to perform qadha as soon as possible after Ramadan ends.
Fidyah vs Qadha: Which is Better?
Based on the explanation above, it can be concluded that qadha is the preferred form of making up missed Ramadan fasts compared to fidyah. This is because qadha directly fulfills the obligation of the missed fast, thus paying off the fasting debt.
Fidyah should only be done in certain circumstances, namely:
- Elderly people who are no longer strong enough to fast.
- Permanently sick people who are not expected to recover.
- People who experience extreme difficulty in making up the fasts, such as:
- Those suffering from chronic illnesses that worsen during fasting.
- Those with jobs that require them to be outdoors and make fasting impossible.
- Those living in areas with extreme climates that make fasting very challenging.
Even though fidyah is allowed in these situations, it is still recommended to make up the fasts at a later time if possible.
Fidyah vs Qadha: reasons why qadha is better than fidyah:
- Fulfilling Allah’s command directly: Qadha is a way of directly fulfilling Allah SWT’s command to make up missed fasts.
- Earning the reward of fasting: By performing qadha, one receives the same reward for fasting as during Ramadan.
- Self-improvement: Qadha provides an opportunity for self-improvement and increased obedience to Allah SWT.
Fidyah and qadha are two solutions for those with a Ramadan fasting debt. Qadha is the preferred option as it directly fulfills the missed fast. Fidyah is only permissible under specific circumstances.
As Muslims, we should strive to prioritize obedience to Allah SWT. If we are forced to miss the Ramadan fast, we should make it up as soon as possible at a later time.
Tips for Making Up Missed Ramadan Fasts (Qadha):
- Form the intention to make up a missed Ramadan fast.
- Choose an appropriate time for qadha, such as when the weather is not too hot or cold.
- Perform the qadha fast with patience and sincerity.
- Consult a doctor immediately if you have any health conditions that might hinder the qadha process.
We hope this information is beneficial!
