Understanding Fidyah – Fidyah is a concept deeply rooted in Islamic teachings, originating from the Arabic word “fadaa,” which means to replace or redeem. It pertains to the obligation of giving a certain amount of wealth to the poor as a substitute for fasting, which someone may have missed due to valid reasons. Fidyah becomes necessary when an individual is unable to observe fasting due to reasons such as chronic illness, advanced age making fasting difficult, or other situations that legitimately exempt them from fasting.
According to the Indonesian Language Institute (KBBI), fidyah can also be interpreted as a fine that a Muslim must pay for being unable to observe fasting due to health conditions or other qualifying circumstances. The law of fidyah fasting aligns with Islamic teachings, which provide concessions to its followers in performing certain religious duties when they encounter genuine hardships.
The law of fidyah fasting serves as a solution when someone truly cannot fast according to Islamic law. Here’s a further overview of the law of fidyah fasting as compiled by Liputan6.com from baznas.go.id, dated Friday (April 5, 2024).
The Basis of Fidyah
The law of fidyah fasting is elucidated in Surah Al-Baqarah, verse 184:
“(Fasting for) a limited number of days. So whoever among you is ill or on a journey (during them) – then an equal number of days (are to be made up). And upon those who are able (to fast, but with hardship) – a ransom (as a substitute) of feeding a poor person (each day). And whoever volunteers excess – it is better for him. But too fast is best for you, if you only knew.”
This verse outlines the circumstances under which fidyah is required, allowing individuals who are genuinely unable to fast to compensate for their missed fasting days by feeding a poor person.
Who is Permitted to Pay Fidyah
Based on Surah Al-Baqarah, verse 184, and interpretations by scholars such as Wahbah az-Zuhaili in the book “Fiqih Islam wa Adillatuhu Jilid 3,” certain individuals are allowed to pay fidyah to fulfill their obligation of fasting during Ramadan:
- Those Unable to Fast: This criterion applies to individuals who are genuinely incapable of fasting. For instance, elderly individuals experiencing physical difficulties or health conditions that impede their ability to fast are allowed to refrain from fasting under the condition of providing food to the poor as a substitute for the fasting days they miss.
- Chronically Ill Individuals: Fidyah also applies to individuals suffering from chronic illnesses or health conditions that make fasting impossible without exacerbating their health further. They are permitted not to fast as long as they provide food to the poor instead of the fasting days they forego.
- Pregnant and Nursing Women: Pregnant or nursing women may be granted leniency in observing fasting if they are concerned about their health or the health of their unborn or nursing child. In this case, they may abstain from fasting during pregnancy or while nursing, provided they offer food to the poor as compensation for the missed fasts.
- Those Who Delay Qadha Fasts: There are also fidyah criteria for individuals who procrastinate in making up missed Ramadan fasts, continuously postponing them until the next Ramadan. They are instructed to pay fidyah equivalent to the number of days they missed fasting as a form of accountability for their delayed fasts.
The amount of Fidyah to be Paid
The amount of fidyah to be paid according to the views of Imam Malik and Imam As-Syafi’i is 1 mud of wheat. One mud of wheat is approximately 0.75 kg or the size of a cupped hand when praying earnestly. On the other hand, scholars from the Hanafi school of thought suggest that the amount of fidyah is 2 muds or equivalent to half a sha of wheat. In terms of weight, 1 sha is approximately 3 kg, hence half a sha is about 1.5 kg. This rule is usually applied to those paying fidyah in the form of rice.
According to the Hanafi scholars, fidyah can also be paid in monetary form, calculated based on the staple food equivalent of around 1.5 kilograms per day, then converted into the local currency. For example, the fidyah amount in monetary form may be equivalent to the price of dates or grapes weighing 3.25 kg for each missed fasting day, with the monetary value given following the multiple of fasting days.
Based on the Decree of the Head of BAZNAS No. 10 of 2024 for the Jakarta, Bogor, Depok, Tangerang, and Bekasi regions, the value of fidyah in monetary form has been set at Rp60,000 per day per person.
The Timing of Paying Fidyah
- On the Same Day: Paying fidyah on the same day when someone cannot fast is highly recommended. This means that a person pays fidyah as a substitute for Ramadan fasting by providing food to the poor corresponding to the missed days.
For instance, someone suffering from a chronic illness can provide cooked meals or staple food to the poor on the same day. Such fidyah payments, even if given alternately such as cooked meals or staple food, hold significance as they are done at the right time, every day during the fasting month.
- At the End of Ramadan: An alternative time to pay fidyah is on the last day of Ramadan. At this time, a person needs to calculate the number of missed fasting days and the amount of fidyah to be paid. Historical examples mention that a companion of the Prophet Muhammad, Anas bin Malik, once paid fidyah at the end of Ramadan by inviting the poor to his home and providing them with ready-to-eat meals as a form of fidyah payment.
Though Islam provides leniency to its followers in paying fidyah, if someone cannot afford it promptly, as in the case of qadha zakat fitrah, Islam allows making up or paying fidyah at another time according to individual circumstances and capabilities.
It’s worth noting that paying fidyah promptly is preferable as an unfulfilled fast holds the status of a debt. Therefore, although Islam does not explicitly restrict the timing of paying fidyah, paying it at the right time or as soon as possible is a recommended practice.
Intentions in Paying Fidyah
The intention for fidyah payment should be recited according to its purpose. Four types of fidyah intentions can be recited depending on who pays the fidyah. Here are the intentions for fidyah payment when fulfilling the obligation of making up Ramadan fasts:
- Intent for Fidyah for the Chronically Ill and Elderly: “I intend to pay this fidyah for breaking the fast in Ramadan, obligatory for the sake of Allah.”
- Intent for Fidyah for Pregnant or Nursing Women: “I intend to pay this fidyah for breaking the fast in Ramadan due to concerns for the safety of my child, obligatory for the sake of Allah.”
- Intent for Fidyah for the Deceased (done by a guardian/heir): “I intend to pay this fidyah on behalf of the deceased (mention the deceased’s name) for their missed Ramadan fasts, obligatory for the sake of Allah.”
- Intent for Fidyah for Those Delaying Qadha Fasts: “I intend to pay this fidyah for the delayed makeup of Ramadan fasts, obligatory for the sake of Allah.”
The intention for fidyah can be made when giving to the needy or poor, through a representative, or after setting aside the rice to be given as fidyah, as per the stipulations. Subsequently, the staple food can be distributed to the needy or poor. Additional food as supplements can also be given.
In conclusion, fidyah in Islam serves as a compassionate solution for individuals who are genuinely unable to fast due to various reasons. It embodies the principle of social justice and care for the less fortunate, ensuring that those who cannot fulfill their religious duties still contribute to the welfare of the community. Through understanding the concept and practice of fidyah, Muslims can navigate their religious obligations with compassion, equity, and responsibility.
