Breaking a fast intentionally during Ramadan is a serious matter in Islam. When done deliberately without a valid excuse, it requires Kaffarah a major form of expiation in addition to making up the missed fast (Qada).

This complete guide explains Kaffarah for breaking a fast intentionally, who must pay it, how it is fulfilled, and common misunderstandings Muslims have.

What Is Kaffarah in Islam?

Kaffarah is a prescribed expiation required when a person deliberately invalidates their Ramadan fast without a legitimate Islamic reason.

It is different from Fidya, which applies to those who cannot fast permanently due to illness or old age.

Kaffarah is significantly heavier because it compensates for a deliberate violation of a sacred obligation.

When Is Kaffarah Required?

Kaffarah becomes obligatory when a person:

• Intentionally eats or drinks during a Ramadan fast
• Engages in marital relations during fasting hours
• Knowingly breaks the fast without a valid excuse
• Understands fasting is obligatory yet chooses to invalidate it

The person must be:

• Adult (baligh)
• Sane
• Aware that fasting is obligatory

If someone forgetfully eats or drinks, there is no Kaffarah the fast remains valid.

What Does the Qur’an Say?

Allah says regarding expiation for certain violations:

“…And whoever cannot find [a slave to free] then a fast for two consecutive months…”
(Surah Al-Mujadilah 58:4)

Scholars derive from authentic hadith that expiation for deliberately breaking a Ramadan fast involves severe compensation.

What Is the Kaffarah for Breaking a Fast?

There are three levels, in order:

1️⃣ Freeing a Slave

This applied historically and is no longer practical today.

2️⃣ Fasting 60 Consecutive Days

The majority of scholars state the primary Kaffarah today is fasting 60 continuous days without interruption.

• If one day is missed without a valid reason, the count restarts.
• Valid excuses (such as illness or menstruation) pause the count.

3️⃣ Feeding 60 Poor People

If someone is genuinely unable to fast 60 days (due to health or old age), they must feed 60 poor individuals.

This is separate from the Qada fast that must also be made up.

Does Qada Also Need to Be Made?

Yes.

Breaking a fast intentionally requires:

• Qada (making up one fast)
• Kaffarah (60 consecutive fasts or feeding 60 poor people)

Both are required.

Situations That Do NOT Require Kaffarah

Kaffarah is not required if:

• The fast was broken forgetfully
• The person was genuinely ill
• There was coercion
• The person did not know fasting was obligatory (new Muslim case)
• The fast was invalidated accidentally

In such cases, only Qada may be required.

What If Someone Broke Multiple Fasts?

Scholars differ slightly:

• If multiple fasts were broken on different days deliberately, some scholars say separate Kaffarah is required for each day.
• Others hold that one Kaffarah may suffice if violations occurred within the same Ramadan before expiation was made.

Due to seriousness, one should consult a qualified scholar for personal cases.

How Much Does Feeding 60 Poor People Cost?

The cost equals feeding 60 needy individuals with proper meals.

In the UK, Islamic organisations calculate a fixed amount per person, multiplied by 60.

Always confirm current rates locally before paying.

Common Misunderstandings About Kaffarah

❌ Kaffarah is not the same as Fidya
❌ Kaffarah is not optional
❌ Simply donating any small amount does not fulfil it
❌ It is not required for minor mistakes or forgetfulness

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. If I intentionally broke one fast, do I fast 60 days?

Yes, if you are physically able. You must fast 60 consecutive days plus make up the missed fast.

2. What if I cannot fast 60 days due to health issues?

You must feed 60 poor people instead.

3. Does missing one day in the 60 restart the count?

Yes, if missed without a valid reason. Valid reasons pause the sequence.

4. Is Kaffarah required for breaking voluntary fasts?

No. Kaffarah applies only to obligatory Ramadan fasts.

5. What if I repented sincerely?

Repentance is essential and highly encouraged. However, repentance does not remove the obligation of Kaffarah.

6. Is Kaffarah required for masturbation during fasting?

If it intentionally invalidates the fast, scholars differ. Some require Qada only, while others require Kaffarah depending on circumstances. Seek scholarly guidance.

7. Can Kaffarah be paid as money instead of food?

In the Hanafi school, monetary equivalent may be given if it benefits the poor. Other schools prefer feeding directly.

Final Reminder

Ramadan is sacred. Deliberately breaking a fast is serious, but Islam always leaves the door of repentance open.

If you have made this mistake:

• Repent sincerely
• Make up the missed fast
• Fulfil the required Kaffarah
• Seek knowledge to avoid repetition

Allah is Most Merciful and accepts sincere repentance.