The punishment for deliberately not fasting in Ramadan without a valid reason is to pay kaffarah.
Understanding the Kaffarah
Kaffarah is an expiation, a way to atone for deliberately breaking the fast. According to the provided reference:
- If you deliberately break a fast without a valid reason, you must pay kaffarah.
How is Kaffarah Paid?
The kaffarah involves feeding 60 poor people for each missed fast. The amount paid for each missed fast is the equivalent of feeding 60 people.
Fidya vs. Kaffarah
It's crucial to differentiate kaffarah from fidya.
- Kaffarah: Paid when you deliberately break a fast without a valid reason and are able to fast later.
- Fidya: Only paid if you miss a fast but have a valid reason to do so (such as illness or travel) and are unable to make up the fast at any other time in the future.
| Feature | Kaffarah | Fidya |
|---|---|---|
| Reason for Payment | Deliberately breaking the fast (no valid reason) | Valid reason for missing the fast, and unable to make it up |
| Payment Method | Feeding 60 poor people | Varies based on local interpretation; feeding a poor person |
Example
Suppose someone deliberately ate during Ramadan without a valid excuse. To atone for this, they would need to provide a meal to 60 needy individuals, as per the concept of kaffarah. This serves as a demonstration of sincere repentance and aims to alleviate the financial burden of those in need.
