Fasting during the month of Ramadan is one of the Five Pillars of Islam, and every adult Muslim who is physically and mentally capable is required to observe it. However, there are times when a person may miss a fast due to unavoidable circumstances. Islam provides guidance on how to compensate for missed fasts through Kaffarah and Qada.
This article at Sabil Al-Quran delves into the concept of Kaffarah for missed fasts during Ramadan, its conditions, and how one can fulfill this obligation.
Understanding Kaffarah in Islam
Kaffarah refers to the expiation or atonement that a Muslim must offer as a penalty for certain religious violations. In the context of fasting, Kaffarah applies when a person deliberately breaks or invalidates their Ramadan fast without a valid excuse.
Not every missed fast requires Kaffarah; in some cases, only Qada is required. Kaffarah is only applicable in specific situations, which will be discussed below.
Kaffarah Missed a Fast in Islam Ramadan
Kaffarah Missed a Fast: If you intentionally break a fast during Ramadan, you must either fast continuously for 60 days as atonement. If you are unable to do so, you must feed 60 poor people, with the estimated cost being $5 per person, totaling $300 per missed or intentionally broken fast.
Situations That Require Kaffarah
Kaffarah is imposed when a Muslim intentionally breaks their fast in Ramadan without a valid excuse. Examples include:
- Eating or drinking deliberately during fasting hours.
- Engaging in sexual relations while fasting.
- Intentionally vomiting to break the fast.
- Any other deliberate action that nullifies fasting with the intention of breaking it.
If a person mistakenly eats or drinks, forgetfully breaks the fast, or is forced into breaking it, Kaffarah is not required only Qada is necessary.
How to Perform Kaffarah for a Missed Fast
The prescribed Kaffarah for deliberately breaking a fast in Ramadan is severe compared to making up a missed fast. It involves one of the following three options:
- Fasting for 60 consecutive days (without missing a single day). If a person misses a day, they must restart from the beginning.
- Feeding 60 poor people by providing each person with a meal that is sufficient to satisfy hunger.
- Freeing a slave, which is no longer applicable in modern times.
If a person is unable to fast for 60 days due to a valid reason (such as chronic illness or old age), then the next option is to feed 60 needy people.
What is Difference Between Kaffarah and Fidya
Kaffarah is required if you intentionally break a fast without a valid reason. To atone, you must either fast for 60 consecutive days or feed 60 poor people for each missed fast.
On the other hand, Fidya is for those who miss a fast due to a valid reason (such as illness or old age) and are unable to make it up later. The Fidya payment for each missed fast is equivalent to feeding one poor person, unlike Kaffarah, which requires feeding 60 people per fast.
What Distinguishes The Kaffarah For Fasting From The Kaffarah For Breaking An Oath?
If you intentionally break a fast during Ramadan without a valid excuse or fail to keep a promise or oath, you are required to pay a penalty known as kaffarah.
- For a missed fast: The penalty is equivalent to feeding 60 people, which amounts to approximately $300 per missed fast.
- For a broken oath: The penalty is equivalent to feeding 10 people, which comes to about $50 per broken promise.
Reasons for Not Fasting During Ramadan
Allah (SWT) mentions in the Qur’an that a believer who is sick or travelling is permitted not to fast if fasting would cause them difficulty.
Additionally, elderly individuals, pregnant or breastfeeding women, and those with chronic medical conditions or illnesses may be exempt from fasting if it poses a risk to their health.
Women are also excused from fasting if they are menstruating or experiencing post-partum bleeding.
For travelers, those who undertake a lawful journey covering a certain distance and lasting an extended period are allowed not to fast, provided their travel is not solely to avoid the duty of fasting during Ramadan.
Conclusion
Fasting in Ramadan is a sacred duty for all eligible Muslims, but Islam provides flexibility for those who miss fasts due to valid reasons. However, deliberately breaking a fast requires serious expiation (Kaffarah).
FAQ: Kaffarah Missed a Fast
Can I pay money instead of feeding people?
Islamic scholars generally recommend feeding the poor directly rather than giving money. However, if donating money to a reliable charity that provides food to the needy achieves the same result, it may be permissible.
What if I break my Kaffarah fast?
If someone starts the 60-day fast but misses a day without a valid excuse, they must restart from day one. If the interruption was due to a valid reason (illness, menstruation, etc.), they can resume without restarting.
Can I feed 60 people at once or spread it over days?
Yes, you can either feed 60 people in one day or spread it over multiple days as long as the full Kaffarah requirement is met.