Zakat al-Fitr, commonly known as Fitrana or Sadaqatul Fitr, is a compulsory charitable donation that must be given before the Eid al-Fitr prayer and before the end of the blessed month of Ramadan. It is given for the sake of Allah and serves both a spiritual and social purpose.
Zakat al-Fitr is obligatory upon every self-supporting adult Muslim who possesses food in excess of their basic needs. It must also be paid on behalf of one’s dependants, including children and babies.
Purpose of Zakat al-Fitr in Islam
Ibn Abbas (may Allah be pleased with him) reported:
“The Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) ordained Zakat al-Fitr to purify the fasting person from indecent speech and actions, and to provide food for the needy. It is accepted as Zakat for the one who gives it before the Eid prayer, but it is regarded as mere Sadaqah for the one who gives it after the prayer.”
[Abu Dawud & Ibn Majah]
This hadith highlights the dual purpose of Fitrana:
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Spiritual purification for shortcomings during fasting
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Provision of food for the poor so they can celebrate Eid with dignity
Paying Zakat al-Fitr Through Islamic Relief
As a trusted charitable organization, Islamic Relief acts as an agent on behalf of donors. This allows Muslims to pay Fitrana in monetary form, which Islamic Relief then uses to purchase food and distribute it to eligible recipients at the correct time.
By doing so, your Zakat al-Fitr reaches vulnerable communities worldwide, ensuring compliance with Islamic rulings while maximizing impact.
How Much Is Zakat al-Fitr (Fitrana) Per Person?
During the time of the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH), Zakat al-Fitr was given as one saa’ of food.
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1 saa’ = 4 madd
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1 madd is the amount of food that can be held in two cupped hands
When converted into modern monetary value based on staple foods such as rice or flour, this equals approximately $5 per person.
✅ Zakat al-Fitr amount per person: $5
Who Must Pay Zakat al-Fitr?
Zakat al-Fitr is obligatory upon:
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Every Muslim who has food beyond their basic needs
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Every member of a household, including:
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Adults
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Children
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Infants
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The head of the household, parent, or guardian may pay on behalf of all dependants.
Unlike annual Zakat, Fitrana applies to everyone, regardless of wealth level, as long as basic needs are met.
What Is Eid Fitrana?
Eid Fitrana refers to the same obligation as Zakat al-Fitr. It emphasizes that this charity must be paid before the Eid al-Fitr prayer, meaning it must be completed before Ramadan ends.
What Is Sadaqatul Fitr?
Sadaqatul Fitr is another name for Zakat al-Fitr or Fitrana. All three terms refer to the same compulsory donation required at the end of Ramadan.
Zakat al-Fitr (Fitrana) FAQs
What Is Fitrana and Why Is It Paid?
Fitrana is obligatory on every Muslim who possesses one saa’ of food beyond their essential needs for one day and night.
It is paid to:
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Purify the fast
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Support the poor
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Enable all Muslims to celebrate Eid with dignity
When Should Zakat al-Fitr Be Paid?
Zakat al-Fitr must be paid during Ramadan.
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✅ Best time: Before the Eid al-Fitr prayer
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❌ After Eid prayer: Counts only as general Sadaqah, with reduced reward
Ibn Abbas (RA) narrated:
“It is accepted as Zakat for the one who gives it before the Eid prayer; but it is mere Sadaqah for the one who gives it after.”
[Abu Dawud]
Do Children Have to Pay Zakat al-Fitr?
Yes. Zakat al-Fitr is compulsory for every household member, including:
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Children
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Babies
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Dependents
Parents or guardians may pay on their behalf.
Who Can Receive Zakat al-Fitr?
The majority of scholars agree that only the first two categories of Zakat recipients are eligible to receive Fitrana:
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The poor
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The needy
Miscellaneous Fitrana FAQs
Can I Pay Zakat al-Fitr Late If I Forget?
Zakat al-Fitr should be paid before the Eid prayer. If paid late, it will be treated as Sadaqah, and the reward will be less.
Why Can I Pay Fitrana in Currency Through Islamic Relief?
Islamic Relief acts as a charitable agent, meaning:
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You authorize them to give Zakat al-Fitr on your behalf
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They use your money to purchase food
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The food is distributed to eligible recipients
This makes it equivalent to you personally giving food, while ensuring effective and timely distribution.
Can Zakat al-Fitr Be Paid Before the 27th of Ramadan?
Yes. According to the Hanafi school of thought, Zakat al-Fitr may be paid earlier in Ramadan.
The Shafi’i madhab also permits this practice.