Fasting: When Fasting is Excessively Difficult Due to Old Age
Practical Laws of Islam as per the teachings of Ayatullah Sistani
Ruling 1694
Fasting is not obligatory for someone who finds fasting excessively difficult due to old age, nor is it necessary for such a person to make up the fasts. However, for each day [that he does not fast], he must give one mudd of food – i.e. wheat, barley, bread, and suchlike – to a poor person. If fasting for him is not possible at all [as opposed to being excessively difficult], it is not necessary that he give fidyah.[1],[2]
-Ayatullah Sistani, Practical Laws of Islam, Fasting (Sawm)
Fidyah is explained in the footnote pertaining to Ruling 1672.
The wording of this ruling in this edition of Islamic Laws is clearer than it was previously. If someone finds fasting excessively difficult due to old age, they do not have to fast nor make up the fasts later. But they have to give fidyah (i.e. 750 grams of wheat, barley, bread, or other staple food) to a poor person for each missed fast.
If a person cannot fast at all due to old age – i.e. their position is such that it goes beyond finding fasting excessively difficult – then they do not even have to give fidyah.
Note: It is permissible to give fidyah payments to an agent or representative (wakīl), such as a trusted charity, who will buy the required food and distribute it on the person’s behalf.