Fidyah in Singapore: The 2026 Rules Just Changed

Fidyah is the payment made in place of fasts that cannot be observed or made up. If you have only known the old figures, note up front: the rules changed in Singapore for Ramadan 2026, in two significant ways. Here is what fidyah is and what is now different.

What fidyah is (and who pays it)

Fidyah applies to those who cannot fast and cannot make up the fast later, for example the elderly or those with a chronic illness that will not allow fasting. It is paid per missed day, as a way of compensating for the fast.

It is different from simply making up a missed fast: someone who misses fasts for a temporary reason (a short illness, travel, pregnancy or breastfeeding) generally makes up those fasts later, rather than paying fidyah. Which situation applies to you is a religious question; refer to MUIS.

Change 1: the rate is now S$4 a day

For 2026, MUIS updated the fidyah rate to S$4.00 per missed day, based on the average cost of a moderate meal in Singapore today, a substantial rise from the previous S$1.40. There was a transitional arrangement: those who had prepared to pay at the old S$1.40 rate could do so during Ramadan 1447H, with the new S$4.00 rate applying fully from 1 Syawal 1447H.

Because the rate is reviewed and can change, always confirm the current figure on zakat.sg rather than relying on an old number.

Change 2: no more compounded fidyah

This is the bigger shift. Previously, delaying the repayment of missed fasts could incur compounded (multiplied) fidyah. From 2026, the MUIS Fatwa Committee removed that default requirement, so those who delayed for valid reasons such as continued illness, travel, pregnancy or breastfeeding are no longer required to pay a compounded amount; a single payment is sufficient. It is a meaningful easing for many.

If you cannot afford it

The higher S$4 rate makes fidyah more expensive for those who owe many days, and MUIS has acknowledged this. There is guidance for those in genuine financial hardship, so if the amount is a real difficulty, do not simply skip it, speak to MUIS or your mosque about your situation rather than assuming.

How to pay

Fidyah is paid through MUIS's authorised channels, alongside zakat, via zakat.sg and authorised collection points.

Common questions

What is the fidyah rate in Singapore now? S$4.00 per missed day from 2026, up from S$1.40. Confirm the current figure on zakat.sg.

Do I still owe compounded fidyah for fasts I delayed? No. MUIS removed the default compounded requirement from 2026; a single payment is sufficient.

Is it fidyah or making up the fast for me? If you can make up the fast later, you generally do that instead of paying fidyah. Fidyah is for those who cannot fast and cannot make it up. Refer to MUIS for your case.

What if I can't afford it? Speak to MUIS or your mosque; there is guidance for genuine financial hardship.

This is a plain-English summary of a rule change, not a religious ruling on who owes fidyah versus who should make up fasts. For your own situation, refer to MUIS or your local mosque.