Dispensing Fidyah Of Salaah On Behalf The Of Deceased Parents

With regard to Fidyah, firstly, it should be understood that if one’s parents had not made Wasiyyah (a bequest) in this regard, then it is not necessary on one that he/she dispenses the monetary compensation of their missed Salawāt on their behalf.

However, in spite of no bequest having made in this regard, if one wishes to dispense its compensation voluntarily from one’s personal funds, then this will be a favour unto them. If one’s parents left behind an estate, then with the consent of all the Bāligh (mature) heirs, the discharging of this duty can also be done from the joint estate. If the others do not consent, then one may do so individually, using one’s personal share received from the inheritance. Either way, it is strongly hoped that the responsibility of the missed Salawāt will In-Shā-Allah be discharged on their behalf.

Secondly, it should be understood that for each Salāh there is a Fidyah (compensation) that will have to be paid. There is also a separate Fidyah to be paid for the Witr Salawāt. Hence, for each day, one will have to pay six Fidyahs, one for each Salāh. The procedure of dispensing the Fidyah is as follows:

1. Calculate the amount of Salawāt they have missed.

2. Thereafter, for each Salāh, either half a Sāa’ (approx. 1.7 kg) of wheat, or one Sāa’ (approx. 3.3 kg) of barley, or its equivalent value will be given to the poor. This is the same amount that is discharged for Sadaqat-ul-Fitr. One may give the grain itself or the cash value of it. However, it is better to give the latter as this will be better in fulfilling the needs of the poor. 

One should calculate the value of the wheat and barley according to one’s area and discharge the Fidyah accordingly.