As Ramadan is closing in on us this year, preparing for it is essential. One of the things that we must consider is the payment of Fidya if we are unable to fast.
Allah (swt) says in the Qur’an:
Fast for a specific number of days, but if one of you is ill, or on a journey, on other days later. For those who can fast only with extreme difficulty, there is a way to compensate- feed a needy person. But if anyone does good of his own accord, it is better for him, and fasting is better for you, if only you knew. [Qur’an 2:184]
From this verse, we can derive that those who are unable to fast – and cannot make it up later – are those who fall into this category. Giving Fidya is extremely important if it applies to you. You can read more about it here.
So when should we give Fidya if it is applicable for us? Here are 3 important reasons why you should give it earlier this year.
There are people in need right now
ILM delivers work on the ground, unlike many other charities that just fundraise. We see the requirement for people in need, and we can assure you, they need your help right now. So delaying any donations defeats the purpose of it since it can be given beforehand in most cases. By giving your Fidya early this year, we can ensure that the process of your Fidya turning into an actual form of relief for someone to feed them can be done quicker. This means that your donation can make a huge impact this Ramadan for those who don’t have the means of having any healthy, nutritious meals.
Your Fidya can be someone’s Iftar in Ramadan
Allah (swt) knows what is in our hearts and understands what our intentions are. Many of us want to delay our donations until Ramadan starts, and some even delay it to the last 10 days. Some take it even further and wait for the Laylatul-Qadr as they want to get the most reward! We really need to look past this and see how the Prophet Muhammad (saw) and his Companions (ra) gave charity. They gave when it was required and did not restrict it to Ramadan. If someone is in need now, why delay it? Therefore, giving Fidya early with the intention of seeking Allah’s pleasure, and to impact many people during the month of Ramadan is more virtuous than giving at a time which as a result will delay your donation until after Ramadan.
The Prophet Muhammad (saw):
“Whoever feeds a person breaking his fast will earn the same reward as him, without anything being lessened from the reward of the fasting person” [At-Tirmidhi]
So, by giving Fidya early, you are ensuring that your Fidya can be converted into an Iftar for someone in time for Ramadan.
Reducing the financial burden
Fidya is due before the fasts commence, and paying the total amount in one go can become difficult for some. By having plenty of time to pay Fidya before Ramadan, it can allow us to pay smaller, more manageable amounts, whilst also making a big impact on the use of that money in Ramadan. As energy prices, fuel prices, and various other economic factors are becoming more apparent and having an adverse effect on our finances, it seems more logical to spread the cost of the Fidya, rather than paying a lump sum in one go.
Before you go…
ILM is working hard this year to reach out the genuinely needy people. By donating your Fidya early, we can ensure that that those who are going to struggle this year to have a healthy and nutritious meal for Suhoor and Iftaar can have the means to do so. Donate your Fidya early this year through ILM, and we will use your donations to support those most in need this Ramadan.
