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Can't fast during Ramadan? Here is how much you have to pay

Dubai - What if a pregnant lady misses her fast? And what about the elderly?

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The UAE's General Authority of Islamic Affairs and Endowments, on the occasion of the holy month of Ramadan, answers some common questions people ask about fasting during the month. Today we look at what to do in case a person is unable to fast.

What is the amount of money one has to pay in case he or she cannot fast during the month of Ramadan?

It should be noted that a person who is unable to fast has to either make up the missed fast only, or pay expiation (fidyah) only, or make up the missed fast and pay expiation, or do neither of the two.

A non-terminally ill person and a woman during menstruation cycles (hayd) or post-natal bleeding (nifas) only make-up their missed fast.

A terminally-ill person and an old man or old woman only pay fidyah (expiation) which is half a saa' of whole wheat for every day missed, according to Abu Hanifah. They do not make up their missed fast, and while it is preferred to take out the fidyah, it is not obligatory for them.

Breast-feeding and pregnant woman, if they eat (and do not fast) out of fear for themselves or for the child (that is breastfed or carried in the womb), they only need to make up the missed fast, according to Abu Hanifah. The pregnant woman makes up her missed fast only, and the breast-feeding woman makes up her missed fast and pays fidya, which is a single mudd for every day missed.

One saa' comprises four mudds, and one mudd is two normal handfuls. A saa' is calculated (in volume) at approximately 2.75 litres, and in the UAE currency Dh10. As for its weight, it varies from type to type, and is therefore not a single definitive weight.