Question:
My mother fell ill a few days before Ramadan and became physically weak due to her illness. She is elderly and was able to fast for fifteen days, but could not complete the rest of the Ramadan fasts. She is also unable to make up the missed fasts due to her condition. Is it permissible for her to give charity (fidya) instead of fasting? If so, how much charity is required per day? Additionally, since I am financially responsible for her, can I give the fidya on her behalf if she does not have the means?
Answer:
A person who is unable to fast due to old age or a chronic illness, and has no hope of recovery, is exempt from fasting. Instead, they must feed one needy person per missed fast. Allah (SWT) states in the Qur'an:
وَعَلَى الَّذِينَ يُطِيقُونَهُ فِدْيَةٌ طَعَامُ مِسْكِينٍ
(Surah Al-Baqarah: 184)
"And upon those who are able [to fast, but with hardship] – a ransom [as substitute]: feeding a needy person."
Abdullah ibn Abbas (رضي الله عنه) explained that this verse was revealed as a concession for elderly men and women who cannot fast. They should feed one poor person per day in place of their missed fasts. This narration is recorded by Imam al-Bukhari (رحمہ اللہ).
Your mother is required to feed one needy person per missed fast, which amounts to half a sa‘ (approximately 1.5 kg) of the staple food of her country.
If she cannot afford to do this, she is not required to pay anything. However, if you choose to pay the fidya on her behalf, this will be considered an act of kindness and generosity, and Allah loves those who do good.
And Allah knows best.
— Permanent Committee for Islamic Rulings (اللجنة الدائمة)
