Fasting in Ramadan is one of the five pillars of Islam. Every adult Muslim who is physically and mentally able must fast from dawn to sunset. But what happens if someone misses multiple fasts especially intentionally?

In this complete guide, we explain:

• What Kaffarah is
• When Kaffarah becomes obligatory
• How to calculate Kaffarah for multiple missed fasts
• The difference between Qada, Fidya, and Kaffarah
• Practical examples
• Frequently asked questions

This article is written to give you clarity, confidence, and peace of mind.

What Is Kaffarah in Islam?

Kaffarah (كفارة) is an expiation or penalty that must be paid when a person intentionally breaks a fast in Ramadan without a valid Islamic excuse.

It is not required for:

• Forgetting you are fasting
• Being genuinely ill
• Travelling
• Menstruation
• Pregnancy or breastfeeding (if medically required)

Kaffarah applies only when a person deliberately breaks a Ramadan fast without a valid reason.

When Is Kaffarah Required?

Kaffarah becomes obligatory if:

1. A person intentionally eats or drinks during fasting hours.
2. A person engages in marital relations during fasting hours.
3. They were aware that fasting was obligatory.
4. There was no valid excuse under Shariah.

If someone simply missed a fast due to illness or travel, they only need to make up the fast (Qada) not Kaffarah.

What Is the Kaffarah Amount for One Fast?

According to classical Islamic rulings:

For each intentionally broken fast, a person must:

• Fast 60 consecutive days,
  OR
• Feed 60 poor people

Most people today discharge Kaffarah by feeding the poor.

If feeding is chosen, it means:

• Providing two meals to 60 poor people
  OR
• Giving the equivalent monetary value

Kaffarah for Missing Multiple Fasts in Ramadan

This is where many people become confused.

Rule:

One Kaffarah (60 days or feeding 60 poor people) is required for EACH intentionally broken fast.

Example 1:

If someone intentionally broke 3 fasts in one Ramadan:

They must either:

• Fast 60 days × 3 = 180 consecutive days
  OR
• Feed 60 poor people × 3 = 180 people

Example 2:

If someone broke 5 fasts intentionally:

• 5 separate Kaffarah penalties apply.

Important Note:

If multiple fasts were broken in different Ramadans, Kaffarah applies separately for each fast.

What If You Missed Fasts but Did Not Fast at All?

If someone did not fast at all during Ramadan intentionally, scholars differ:

• Majority opinion: Kaffarah applies for each day.
• Some scholars hold that one Kaffarah may cover the entire Ramadan if the fast was not even started.

It is strongly recommended to consult a qualified scholar for personal cases.

Difference Between Qada, Fidya and Kaffarah

Situation	What Is Required?
Missed due to illness (temporary)	Qada only
Missed due to permanent illness	Fidya
Intentionally broken fast	Qada + Kaffarah

Quick Definitions:

• Qada: Making up the missed fast later.
• Fidya: Feeding one poor person per missed fast (for those unable to fast permanently).
• Kaffarah: Feeding 60 poor people OR fasting 60 consecutive days for each intentionally broken fast.

Can You Pay Kaffarah as Money?

Yes.

Most Islamic charities calculate a fixed Kaffarah amount per fast based on:

• Feeding 60 poor people
• Two meals per person

The exact amount depends on food cost in the distribution country.

What If You Cannot Afford Kaffarah?

If you cannot afford to feed 60 people:

• You must fast 60 consecutive days.
• If you genuinely cannot do either due to hardship, seek advice from a qualified scholar.

Islam does not burden a soul beyond its capacity.

Must the 60 Days Be Consecutive?

Yes.

If fasting 60 days:

• They must be consecutive.
• If broken without valid excuse, the count restarts.
• A valid excuse (illness, menstruation, etc.) pauses the count.

Can Kaffarah Be Paid in Installments?

Yes.

You may:

• Feed 60 people gradually.
• Pay the full amount at once.
• Distribute over time.

But it must equal feeding 60 people per broken fast.

How Much Is Kaffarah in the UK?

Amounts vary yearly based on food costs.

For example:

If feeding one person costs £3–£5 per meal, then:

60 people × 2 meals = 120 meals

Estimated range:
£180 – £300 per broken fast (approximate example only).

Always check with a trusted Islamic organisation for the current rate.

Spiritual Wisdom Behind Kaffarah

Kaffarah is not meant as punishment it is:

• A means of repentance
• A way to purify mistakes
• A support for the poor
• A reminder of the sanctity of Ramadan

Allah is Most Merciful. Repent sincerely, make intention to correct yourself, and fulfil your obligation.

FAQs – Kaffarah for Missing Multiple Fasts in Ramadan

1. If I broke 10 fasts intentionally, do I pay 10 Kaffarah?

Yes. Each intentionally broken fast requires separate Kaffarah.

2. If I forgot I was fasting and ate, is Kaffarah required?

No. Forgetfulness does not require Kaffarah.

3. Do I still need to make up the fast (Qada) after paying Kaffarah?

Yes. Kaffarah does not replace Qada. You must make up the missed fast.

4. What if I cannot fast 60 consecutive days?

Then you must feed 60 poor people instead.

5. Can one Kaffarah cover multiple days?

No. Each intentionally broken fast requires its own Kaffarah (majority scholarly opinion).

6. Is Kaffarah required for breaking voluntary fasts?

No. Kaffarah only applies to obligatory Ramadan fasts.

7. Can Kaffarah be given outside my country?

Yes. Many charities distribute internationally where need is greater.

8. What if I do not remember how many fasts I broke?

Estimate sincerely and choose the higher number to be safe.

Final Reminder

Missing multiple fasts intentionally is serious but Allah’s mercy is greater than our mistakes.

Repent sincerely.
Make up your Qada.
Fulfil your Kaffarah.
Move forward with stronger faith.

Pay Your Kaffarah Securely Through IslamFreedom.org

If you need to fulfil Kaffarah for missed or intentionally broken fasts, you can complete your obligation securely through: islamfreedom.org

Your Kaffarah will be used to:

• Feed eligible poor families
• Provide hot meals or essential food packs
• Support vulnerable communities
• Ensure your religious obligation is fulfilled correctly

Why Choose IslamFreedom.org?

✔ Transparent distribution
✔ Shariah-compliant Kaffarah handling
✔ Secure online payment
✔ Quick and simple process
✔ UK-based trusted platform

You can calculate your Kaffarah amount based on the number of fasts missed and complete your payment online in just a few minutes.

Remember: Kaffarah is required for each intentionally broken fast, so ensure you calculate carefully before making payment.

May Allah accept your repentance and fulfilment of this obligation.