Kaffarah for Breaking Fast
What is Kaffarah for Breaking Fast?
Kaffarah for breaking fast is a required act of expiation when someone deliberately breaks their Ramadan fast without a valid Islamic reason, such as eating, drinking, or engaging in sexual relations during the fasting hours. This is considered a serious act, and the person must make up for it through Kaffarah, which includes one of the following, in this specific order:
In our time, where freeing a slave is no longer an option, the default Kaffarah becomes fasting for 60 consecutive days. If someone is unable to do this due to valid reasons (such as long-term illness or old age), then they must feed 60 poor people as expiation.
What If I Break My Fast on Purpose?
If you intentionally break your fast during Ramadan without a valid excuse, it is considered a major sin in Islam. Fasting is a pillar of Islam, and knowingly violating it requires sincere repentance and Kaffarah.
Actions that require Kaffarah include:
For each day that a fast is broken intentionally, a separate Kaffarah must be fulfilled.
Image: Children feeling happy after having meal given by HCR team under kaffarah donations.
What Does the Qur’an Say About Fasting and Expiation?
“O you who believe! Fasting is prescribed for you as it was prescribed for those before you, that you may become righteous…”
“…And as for those who can fast with difficulty, they have (a choice either to fast or) to feed a poor person (for every day). But whoever does good of his own accord, it is better for him. And that you fast is better for you, if only you knew.”
— Surah Al-Baqarah 2:183–185 (Interpretation of meaning)
How to Give Kaffarah for Breaking a Fast
If you cannot fast for 60 days due to a valid reason, the Kaffarah is to feed 60 poor people. This can be done by:
You can give Kaffarah through reliable Islamic charities like Humanity Care Relief, which ensures your donation reaches the poor correctly and on time.
3 Things to do as soon as you break a fast intentionally
Image: HCR team arranging iftar to feed people through your kaffarah donations.
What if a Makeup Fast is Broken?
If someone breaks a makeup fast, for example, one they are keeping to compensate for a missed Ramadan fast, Kaffarah is not required, according to the majority of scholars.
However, they must:
There is a minority opinion that expiation may still apply depending on the intention and context, so it’s best to seek personal advice from a scholar if unsure.
Ibn Qudamah (4/412) said:
“If a person starts an obligatory fast, such as making up a missed Ramadan fast, or a fast that he vowed to observe, or an expiatory fast, it is not permissible for him to break the fast. There is no scholarly difference of opinion on this point, praise be to Allah.”
Al-Nawawi said in al-Majmu’ (6/383):
“If a person has intercourse during a fast other than in Ramadan, such as making up a missed fast, or a fast that he vowed to observe, etc., no expiation (kaffarah) is required. This is the view of the majority. Qatadah said: He has to offer expiation if he broke a fast that he was observing to make up for a missed Ramadan fast.”
Kaffarah Calculator
If you’ve deliberately broken one or more fasts during Ramadan, use this simple guide to calculate your Kaffarah for breaking fast. For each broken fast, you must feed 60 poor people, which equals:
Number of Broken Fasts Kaffarah Amount
1 Fast
£150
2 Fasts
£300
Each additional fast adds another £150. This amount ensures sixty people are fed per day, in line with the requirement of Kaffarah.
Delaying Missed Fasts Until After the Next Ramadan
If a person delays their missed fasts from a previous Ramadan without a valid reason, and the next Ramadan begins, they are required to:
This is not considered Kaffarah, but a form of Fidya as a result of negligence. A person should also repent for the delay.
Image: Children feeling happy after being served Iftar food packs by HCR.
Sincere Repentance is Essential
Fulfilling the outward obligation of Kaffarah must be accompanied by a sincere turning back to Allah (SWT). The conditions of true repentance are:
Allah is Al-Ghafoor, the Most Forgiving, and accepts the repentance of His servants.
What’s the difference between Kaffarah and Fidya?
Kaffarah and Fidya are different:
Fidyah
Fidya is a compensation for missing a fast due to valid reasons (like illness or old age), when fasting is not possible
Kaffarah
Kaffarah is an expiation for breaking a fast deliberately
Fidya involves feeding one poor person per missed fast. Kaffarah requires feeding sixty for each deliberately broken fast, unless the person can fast sixty days.
Important reminders before giving Kaffarah
Let Your Kaffarah Become a Source of Relief
Kaffarah is more than an obligation — it is a chance to restore what was broken and bring ease to someone who is struggling.
Alongside fulfilling your Kaffarah for breaking fast, you can also support other urgent causes through HCR, where your charity reaches those most in need:
Give with sincerity. Give to heal. Let your charity be a means of mercy — for them, and for you.
Kaffarah for Breaking Fast FAQs
What kind of food is given in Kaffarah meals?
Kaffarah meals are prepared using local staple foods to ensure they are nutritious, familiar, and fulfilling for recipients. Examples include:
Pakistan: Chapati with chicken or meat curry and a drink, or chicken/meat biryani with raita and a drink
Gaza, Yemen: Rice with chicken and a drink, or lentil/soup with bread and a drink
Bangladesh: Rice with chicken curry and a drink
Africa: Rice with chicken or meat and a drink
These meals meet the basic dietary needs and cultural expectations of the communities receiving them, ensuring your Kaffarah truly benefits those in need.
Is the Kaffarah amount enough to feed 60 people?
Yes, the Kaffarah amount is carefully calculated to meet Islamic requirements. It is based on local food prices, portion sizes, and meal costs in the areas we serve. This ensures that 60 poor and needy individuals receive a nutritious, cooked meal — with dignity and care.
If you’d prefer to provide enhanced or custom meals as part of your Kaffarah, we can arrange that too, Insha’Allah. Please contact our team after donating to make a special request.
Where are Kaffarah meals distributed?
Kaffarah meals are given in countries where HCR runs active emergency and food relief programmes. These include areas like Gaza, Pakistan, Yemen, and other regions facing extreme poverty or crisis.
Who receives the Kaffarah meals?
Kaffarah meals are distributed to those most in need, including individual families, daily labourers, widows, and those near masjids in deprived areas.
When will my Kaffarah donation be distributed?
Your Kaffarah donation is prepared and distributed within 30 days of receiving it, often sooner.
Example: If you donate in January, meals will typically be delivered during February. In emergency zones, distributions may be prioritised to meet urgent needs.
We work with trusted local teams to ensure your Kaffarah reaches those who need it most — on time, and with transparency.
What is Kaffarah in Islam?
Kaffarah is a required form of expiation in Islam to atone for serious violations such as breaking fasts, oaths, or other major obligations.
What is Kaffarah for breaking fast?
It is the expiation due when a person deliberately breaks their fast in Ramadan without a valid reason. The person must either fast for 60 consecutive days or feed 60 poor people.
Can Kaffarah be given as money?
Kaffarah should be fulfilled by the act itself, such as feeding the poor. Money can be given if it is used to directly provide food on your behalf.
When is Kaffarah required in Islam?
Kaffarah is required when a major religious duty is intentionally broken — such as fasting in Ramadan, oaths, or zihar (harmful statements to one’s spouse).
How much should you pay for Kaffarah?
The amount is based on feeding 60 poor people per fast broken. The exact cost varies depending on local food prices.
Can Kaffarah be paid after Ramadan?
Yes, it can be fulfilled after Ramadan. However, it should be done as soon as possible and not delayed unnecessarily.
Who is eligible to receive Kaffarah donations?
Kaffarah must go to poor and needy Muslims who are eligible to receive charity under Islamic guidelines.
Can Kaffarah replace the missed fasts or prayers?
No. Kaffarah is not a replacement. Missed fasts and prayers must still be made up separately.
Is there a difference between Kaffarah and Sadaqah?
Yes. Kaffarah is an obligation to correct a specific sin, while Sadaqah is a general voluntary charity.
Do I need to pay Kaffarah if I ate by mistake while fasting?
No. If you forgot and ate or drank by mistake, your fast is still valid.
Can I give Kaffarah on behalf of someone else?
Yes, with their permission or if they have passed away and left instructions.
Do I need to give Kaffarah for breaking a fast due to illness?
No. If your fast was broken due to a genuine illness, Kaffarah is not required.