Ramadan is a month of spirituality, prayer and fasting. It also serves to remind Muslims of the importance of charity, and their obligation to be charitable during the month and all throughout the year.

In some circumstances, a Muslim is not able to fulfill their religious obligation to fast during the month of Ramadan or may want to recompense for a broken oath.

Fidya and Kaffara are two solutions offered that can help a Muslim expiate for not fasting or breaking other obligations. The paying of fidya or kaffara also benefits members of the community who live in impoverished conditions.

• The meaning of Fidya is an expiation or compensation donation, paid within the Islamic tradition by individuals who cannot fulfill the obligation of fasting due to illness or old age.
• The meaning of Kaffara is also an expiation or compensation donation within the Islamic tradition paid by individuals who deliberately miss or break a day of fast during the month of Ramadan without a valid reason.