Can the Fidyah amount be given before Ramadaan starts? Who should it be given to? How much do we have to give?

Q. Can the Fidyah amount for old people or people who cannot fast due to health issues be given before Ramadaan starts? Who should it be given to? How much do we have to give?

A. The Fidyah amount cannot be discharged before the commencement of Ramadhaan. The Fidyah amount may only be discharged after the commencement of Ramadhaan. (Khairul Fataawa 4/89)

The recipients of Fidyah are the same as the recipients of Zakaat. Hence, all the conditions related to the discharging of Zakaat to Zakaat recipients also apply to the recipients of Fidyah, for e.g. the Fidyah amount has to be given to poor and needy Muslims and not non-Muslims. (Shaami 2/369)

The Fidyah amount for people who are unable to fast the entire Month of Ramadaan due to old age or ill health is R600.00 (R20 per fast x 30 fasts as of 2017).

Allah Ta’ala Knows Best

Mufti Ismaeel Bassa

themufti.com