The Qur’an, which is the primary source of Islam, does not set a fixed numerical amount for fidya. Instead, it states that it should be enough to feed a गरीब (needy person). However, the fitra (charity) amounts determined today through the jurisprudential interpretations of various schools do not fully align with this Qur’anic principle. Amounts set by institutions such as religious authorities often fall short when compared to current economic conditions.
A clear ruling regarding fidya in the Qur’an is as follows:
> “(Fasting is for) a limited number of days. So whoever among you is ill or on a journey should fast the same number on other days. And those who are able (but with difficulty) must give a ransom (fidya): feeding a poor person. And whoever volunteers good—it is better for him. But fasting is better for you, if you only knew.” (Surah Al-Baqarah, 2:184)
According to this verse, fidya should be enough to feed a poor person. This principle established in the Qur’an shows that fidya is not a fixed amount, but rather something that can vary depending on the time, place, and economic conditions.
However, many Islamic authorities today determine fidya amounts based on past jurisprudential rulings of madhhabs. These fixed amounts often prove insufficient under modern economic conditions.
In order to remain faithful to the Qur’anic ruling when determining the amount of fidya, the following principles should be considered:
- Current Food Prices Should Be Taken as the Basis Instead of a Fixed Amount
Rather than relying on historically determined fixed rates, fidya should be calculated based on current food prices sufficient to feed a person. For example, it should cover at least one meal or even a full day’s nutritional needs of a needy person. - Fidya Can Be Given as Food, Not Only Money
The Qur’an states that fidya should be enough to feed a poor person but does not restrict it to monetary payment. Therefore, a person may give fidya directly in the form of food to someone in need. - Regional Economic Conditions Should Be Considered
The cost of feeding a poor person varies from one country or region to another. Therefore, fidya should be calculated according to the local cost of food where the individual lives.
According to the Qur’an, the amount of fidya should be sufficient to feed a poor person. Fixed amounts determined based on historical jurisprudence may become inadequate as economic conditions change. For this reason, fidya should be based on current food prices and may be given either as money or directly as food aid.
The fundamental principle established by the Qur’an is not a fixed number from the past, but the ability to feed a needy person according to the economic conditions of each time and society.
