Is expiation (kaffara) obligatory for an elderly, ill woman who broke her fast in Ramadan due to illness after her health deteriorated, and should she pay it herself or should her son pay it, and in what currency should the payment be made?
If a trusted doctor informs the aunt that fasting will harm her, she is permitted to break her fast, and she is excused by Islamic law. If she is unable to make up the fasts later, she must pay a (expiatory payment), not her son. The fidyah should be given from the prevalent food of Tunisia, which is a mudd (a volumetric measure) of food for each day.
The majority of scholars hold that the fidyah must be given in the form of food. Some scholars, however, permit giving its monetary value, especially if this serves a greater benefit for the poor.
The fidyah is obligatory upon the aunt, but her son may pay it on her behalf, as fidyah allows for proxy payment.
Summary from Ftawy's records · added here
Reviewed by El Fatwa's sharia committee.
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- Summary from Ftawy's records, reviewed by El Fatwa's sharia committee.
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