Fidyah refers to the charitable compensation given by those who are unable to fast due to a permanent illness or advanced age. For each day of fasting that cannot be observed, the individual provides assistance equivalent to feeding one needy person two meals. In this way, fidyah serves as a means for those who are chronically ill or of very advanced age to partake in the spiritual reward of an act of worship.
However, if a person upon whom fidyah has become due lacks the financial means to discharge it, he or she seeks forgiveness and pardon from Allah. Should that person’s sons, grandchildren, or relatives—though under no legal obligation to do so—choose to pay the fidyah on their behalf, they would be performing a meritorious and commendable act.