What is Fitrana (Zakat ul Fitr)?
Ibn `Abbas (may Allah be pleased with him) reported:
“The Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) ordained Zakat ul Fitr [Fitrana] to purify the fasting person from indecent words or actions, and to provide food for the needy. It is accepted as Zakat for the person who gives it before the Eid prayer; but it is a mere Sadaqah for the one who gives it after the prayer.”
- [Abu Dawud and Ibn Majah]
Fitrana is a charitable donation of food that must be given before Eid prayer, before the end of the month of Ramadan, for the love of Allah (SWT). Fitrana must also be given by every self-supporting adult Muslim who has food in excess of their needs, on behalf of themselves and their dependants.
The quantity is described by the Prophet (SAW) as one saa’ of food - one saa’ is equivalent to four madd. A madd is the amount that can be scooped up when one puts their hands together. If we translate this into a monetary value based on the price of a staple food such as flour or rice, it is approximately $15. Therefore the amount due for each person is $15.
Fitrana FAQs
+What is Fitrana (Zakat ul Fitr), and why is it paid?
Fitrana (Zakat ul Fitr) is incumbent on every Muslim who possesses one saa' of food which is not needed as a basic necessity for themselves or their family for the duration of one day and night.
The quantity is described by the Prophet ﷺ as one saa' of food. One saa' is equivalent to four madd, and a madd is the amount that can be scooped up when one puts their hands together.
Ibn `Abbas (may Allah be pleased with him) reported:
“The Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) ordained Zakat ul Fitr to purify the fasting person from indecent words or actions, and to provide food for the needy. It is accepted as Zakat for the person who gives it before the Eid prayer; but it is a mere Sadaqah for the one who gives it after the prayer.” [Abu Dawud and Ibn Majah]
+How much is Fitrana (Zakat ul Fitr)?
At the time of the Prophet ﷺ Fitrana (Zakat ul Fitr) would be given as one saa'. The quantity is described by the Prophet (SAW) as one saa' of food. One saa' is equivalent to four madd.
A madd is the amount that can be scooped up when one puts their hands together.
If we translate this into a monetary value based on the price of a staple food such as flour or rice, it is approximately $15. Therefore, the amount due for each person is $15.
+When should Fitrana (Zakat ul Fitr) be paid?
Fitrana (Zakat ul Fitr) must be paid within the month of Ramadan. The latest it can be paid is before the Eid prayer begins so that those in need can benefit in time for Eid.
Ibn Abbas narrates:
“It is accepted as Zakat for the person who gives it before the Eid prayer; but it is a mere Sadaqah for the one who gives it after the prayer.” [Abu Dawud]
+Who has to pay Fitrana (Zakat ul Fitr)?
Any Muslim who has food in excess of their needs must pay Zakat ul Fitr (Fitrana).
Unlike Zakat, it is a duty on everyone in your household. Therefore, the head of the household, or parents and guardians, can pay on behalf of other members of the family.
+Do children have to pay?
It is compulsory for every member of a household including children and babies to pay Zakat ul Fitr (Fitrana).
However, parents/guardians may pay on behalf of their children/dependents.