SINGAPORE – Muslims paying fidyah will no longer have to make compounded payments, with the rate to be set at $4 a day for Ramadan 2026.
Fidyah is a tithe paid by those who cannot fast because of illness or who have broken their fast by violating the rules set during Ramadan.
Meanwhile, those paying the compulsory zakat fitrah, or tithe, during Ramadan 2026 can expect to pay $5 or $8 per person.
The Islamic Religious Council of Singapore (MUIS) said in a statement on Feb 16 that the compounded payment requirement for fidyah will be removed to benefit those who delay the payment because of valid reasons such as continued illness, travel, pregnancy and breastfeeding.
“This approach ensures that religious obligations remain accessible to all Muslims regardless of their circumstances,” said MUIS.
The current fidyah rate of $1.40 was established in 2014, and the amount that must be paid is compounded according to the years not paid.
The new rate of $4 a day is based on research reflecting the average cost of a moderate meal in Singapore today, said MUIS.
The updated rate will be fully implemented from the beginning of the Islamic month of Syawal, expected to fall on March 21 in 2026. Those who would like to pay fidyah at the current rate of $1.40 can do so until then.
Meanwhile, the rate for kafarah, currently set at $10, has also been revised to $4 per person to align with the updated fidyah rate. Kafarah is a charitable compensation for intentionally violating obligations or oaths in Islam.
