MUIS removes compounded fidyah payment and updates rate to $4 a day; zakat fitrah set at $5 or $8

Singaporean Muslims preparing for Ramadan will see changes to religious tithes, or financial obligations, in 2026. The Islamic Religious Council of Singapore (MUIS) announced on February 16th adjustments to the rates and payment structures for fidyah, kafarah and zakat fitrah.

Fidyah Payments Simplified

A key change involves fidyah, a tithe paid by those unable to fast due to illness or other valid reasons. MUIS is eliminating the compounded payment system, which previously increased the amount owed based on the number of years the payment was delayed. The standardized rate for fidyah will be $4 per day for Ramadan 2026.

Did You Know? The current fidyah rate of $1.40 was established in 2014, and payments were previously compounded annually for any delays.

This adjustment aims to make fulfilling religious obligations more accessible, particularly for those facing ongoing challenges like illness, travel, pregnancy, or breastfeeding. MUIS stated the new rate reflects the average cost of a moderate meal in Singapore today.

Kafarah and Zakat Fitrah Rates Adjusted

Alongside fidyah, the rate for kafarah – a charitable compensation for intentionally violating religious obligations – will also be revised to $4 per person, aligning with the updated fidyah rate. Currently, kafarah is set at $10.

For zakat fitrah, a compulsory tithe paid during Ramadan, rates will be $5 or $8 per person in 2026. The $8 rate represents a 10-cent increase from 2025 and is based on the median price of higher-grade rice, a staple food for the community.

Expert Insight: The shift away from a rice-weight based calculation for fidyah and kafarah suggests a move towards a more dynamic system that responds to contemporary economic realities and ensures the charitable contributions adequately address current needs.

MUIS plans to periodically review these rates to ensure they accurately reflect the cost of providing nourishment.

Payment Options and Accessibility

Muslims are encouraged to pay zakat fitrah early during Ramadan, while fidyah and kafarah can be paid throughout the year. MUIS emphasizes using official channels, such as the

Zakat Singapore website

, authorized collection centers, and self-service kiosks at mosques.

These kiosks have been upgraded with contactless mobile payment options like Apple Pay and Google Pay, as well as larger 10-inch touchscreen displays for improved accessibility.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is fidyah?

Fidyah is a tithe paid by Muslims who are unable to fast during Ramadan due to illness or other valid reasons.

When will the new fidyah rate be implemented?

The new rate of $4 per day will be fully implemented from the beginning of the Islamic month of Syawal, expected to fall on March 21, 2026.

What is the rate for zakat fitrah in 2026?

The rates for zakat fitrah in 2026 will be $5 or $8 per person.

As MUIS continues to refine its approach to these religious obligations, it remains to be seen how these adjustments will impact community participation and the overall effectiveness of charitable giving.