Some people who cannot fast can feed the needy to absolve themselves and this is called fidya
Those who are sick and unable to make up fasts can feed a poor person per day.
“[Observing Sawm (fasts)] for a fixed number of days, but if any of you is ill or on a journey, the same number (should be made up) from other days. And as for those who can fast with difficulty, (e.g. an old man, etc.), they have (a choice either to fast or) to feed a Miskeen (poor person) (for every day). But whoever does good of his own accord, it is better for him. And that you fast, it is better for you if only you know.” [2:184]
This fee is called fidya and applies to any category that misses the fast and will never be able to make them up.
This is a fee which is paid in order to feed another, and is calculated at half a saa’a, i.e. 1.6kg or wheat or the staple food. This is amount one can hold in the hands when cupped together.
In the current time due to the disparity in wealth and the ability to send money abroad easily, many scholars allow cash equivalents.
The fidya should consist of sufficient food to feed one person for a whole day, and can be paid to the same person for the entire month either at the beginning, during or end of the month.
Based upon the price of rice, we calculate the fidya to be about £5.00 per day.