Wa `alaykum As-Salamu wa Rahmatullahi wa Barakatuh

 

In the Name of Allah, the All-Merciful, the Mercy-Giving

  

All praise is due to Allah. Peace and blessings be upon His Messenger Muhammad.

 

Your mother is exempt from fasting because of her health challenges; she shouldn’t be fasting as advised by her physician.

 

There is no need for her to feel sad or guilty over this. While ordering us to fast, Allah says in the Qur’an: “As for those who are unable to fast (because of ill-health or advanced old age), let them offer compensation by feeding a poor person instead.” (Al-Baqarah 2:184)

 

Fidyah is to feed a poor person for each day of the fast she has missed. It is estimated to be the cost of a meal. In our Canadian standard today, it is estimated to be equivalent to ten Canadian dollars to be given for each day.

 

Your mother should have no reason to feel guilty about not fasting, for as the Prophet, peace be upon him, said, “Allah loves His servants to make use of the concessions He has allowed them even as He wants them to carry out His orders.” (Ibn Hibban)

 

As for Fidyah, she should give it directly to the poor if she can; otherwise, she can entrust it to reputable agencies that can be trusted with such tasks. Islamic Relief of Canada, Human Concern International are reputable charities. They allow the donor to specify whether the donation is for Zakah or Fidyah or Sadaqah.

 

If you are in another country, you may find similar reputable charities.

 

Almighty Allah knows best.