Breaking a Ramadan fast deliberately without a valid excuse is a serious matter in Islam. When this happens, a Muslim must perform Kaffarah a prescribed expiation in addition to making up the missed fast (Qada).

This guide explains how Kaffarah is paid for missed Ramadan fasts, who must pay it, the 60-day rule, feeding 60 poor people, and common mistakes to avoid.

What Is Kaffarah in Islam?

Kaffarah is a mandatory expiation required when a person:

• Intentionally breaks a Ramadan fast
• Eats or drinks deliberately during fasting hours
• Engages in marital relations while fasting
• Invalidates the fast knowingly without valid excuse

Kaffarah is different from Fidya, which applies when someone cannot fast permanently due to illness or old age.

When Is Kaffarah Required?

Kaffarah becomes obligatory if:

1. The fast was deliberately broken
2. The person knew fasting was obligatory
3. There was no valid Islamic excuse
4. The person is adult and sane

If someone forgetfully eats or drinks, no Kaffarah is required.

How Is Kaffarah Paid?

Kaffarah must be fulfilled in one of the following ways (in order of ability):

1. Fasting 60 Consecutive Days

The primary form of Kaffarah today is fasting 60 continuous days.

Key rules:

• The 60 days must be consecutive.
• If one day is missed without valid reason, the count restarts.
• Valid interruptions (such as illness or menstruation) pause the sequence but do not invalidate it.

In addition to the 60 days, the original missed fast must also be made up (Qada).

2. Feeding 60 Poor People

If someone is physically unable to fast 60 consecutive days due to chronic illness or weakness, they must feed 60 poor individuals.

This can be done by:

• Providing one full meal per person
• Giving staple food equal to one meal per person
• Paying the monetary equivalent (according to some scholarly opinions)

The feeding must benefit 60 separate eligible recipients.

3. Historical Option: Freeing a Slave

This was the original ruling during the Prophet’s time. It is no longer applicable today.

Does Qada Also Need to Be Made?

Yes.

Kaffarah does not replace Qada. A person must:

1. Make up the single missed fast (Qada)
2. Complete Kaffarah (60 fasts or feeding 60 poor people)

Both are required.

What If Multiple Fasts Were Broken?

Scholars differ:

• Some require separate Kaffarah for each deliberately broken fast.
• Others say one Kaffarah may suffice if multiple violations occurred within the same Ramadan before expiation was performed.

Due to seriousness, individual cases should be reviewed by a qualified scholar.

How Much Does Feeding 60 Poor People Cost?

The cost depends on:

• Local staple food prices
• Meal value in the region

In the UK, Islamic organisations calculate a per-person rate and multiply it by 60.

Always confirm current local rates before payment.

Situations That Do Not Require Kaffarah

Kaffarah is not required if:

1. The fast was broken forgetfully
2. There was genuine illness
3. The person was forced
4. The fast was invalid due to a mistake
5. The person was unaware of the ruling

In these cases, Qada alone may be required.

Common Mistakes About Kaffarah

1. Thinking Kaffarah replaces Qada
2. Confusing Kaffarah with Fidya
3. Donating a small amount and assuming it is sufficient
4. Delaying Kaffarah indefinitely

Kaffarah is a serious obligation and must be fulfilled properly.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Do I have to fast 60 consecutive days for one broken fast?

Yes, if you are physically able. The 60 days must be continuous.

2. What if I cannot fast 60 days?

If medically unable, you must feed 60 poor people instead.

3. If I miss one day during the 60, do I restart?

Yes, if missed without valid excuse. Valid excuses pause the count.

4. Is Kaffarah required for voluntary fasts?

No. Kaffarah applies only to obligatory Ramadan fasts.

5. Does repentance remove Kaffarah?

Repentance is essential, but it does not remove the obligation of Kaffarah.

6. Can I pay money instead of food?

In the Hanafi school, monetary value is allowed if it benefits the poor. Other schools prefer direct food distribution.

7. Is Kaffarah required for accidental breaking of fast?

No. Accidental or forgetful breaking does not require Kaffarah.

Final Reminder

Ramadan is sacred. Deliberately breaking a fast requires serious expiation, but Islam also provides a clear path to repentance and correction.

If you have broken a fast intentionally:

1. Repent sincerely
2. Make up the missed fast
3. Complete the required Kaffarah
4. Seek knowledge to avoid repetition

Allah is Most Merciful and accepts sincere repentance.

Fulfil Your Kaffarah Correctly

If you are required to pay Kaffarah for missed Ramadan fasts, you can complete your obligation securely through: islamfreedom.org

IslamFreedom facilitates Kaffarah distribution in accordance with Islamic guidelines, ensuring that eligible recipients are supported properly and responsibly.

Complete your Kaffarah with clarity and confidence, and fulfil your duty in the correct manner.