The month of Ramadan is known for being a time of spirituality and self-reflection for Muslims around the world. But it’s also a time of empathy for those around us, showing care and love for all our Muslim brothers and sisters.
And that’s why fasting is so important in the holy month of Ramadan – it helps us understand the pain felt by the needy, by thousands of people who go days without food or any of the basic necessities.
However, when Ramadan ends, it culminates in Eid al-Fitr – a joyous occasion, and a reward for abstaining from food and drink for a month. Because of this, fasting is not allowed on that day.
But what about those who don’t have access to food or can’t afford it? They also need to be included in the celebration as part of the Muslim community, and that’s why paying fitrana is compulsory.
What Is Zakat al-Fitr?
Fitrana, Zakat al-Fitr, Eid Fitrana, Sadaqatul Fitr – call it what you want, it all amounts to the same thing.
So what is Fitrana? It is an obligatory charitable donation of food for the needy, although often money is given which then goes towards buying food. This is given for the love of Allah (SWT) and must be donated before Eid al-Fitr prayer at the end of the holy month of Ramadan.
Why Should Fitrana be paid?
Fitrana’s not a voluntary Sadaqah; it’s obligatory for every Muslim who has food in excess of their needs. And for a big celebration like Eid, most Muslims are going to have plenty of food in their house.
“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.” [Ibn Abbas narrates, related by Abu Dawud and Ibn Majah]
How Much Is Fitrana?
It’s difficult to give a precise estimate as to how much the Fitrana amount is. When the quantity was established by the holy Prophet Muhammad (Peace Be Upon Him) centuries ago, it was just one saa’ of food.
One saa’ of food is equivalent to four madd. A madd is the amount of food that can be scooped up when you put your hands together. So, one saa’ of food means four scoops of food.
While you can donate that amount of food, Fitrana is often translated into monetary value today.
However, because of various socio-economic factors, the exact price tends to change. It’s based on the price of staple food at the time, such as rice and flour. While it’s recently been about £5 or so, it may go up soon because of what’s going on in the wider world.
Who Has to Pay Fitrana?
Unlike Zakat, everyone in a household has a duty of paying fitrana, including any children. But you don’t have to ask your kids to fish coins out of their piggy banks. Parents are welcome to pay Eid Fitrana on behalf of others in the family who are unable to do so themselves.
The only Muslims who don’t have to pay the charitable donation of Fitrana are the needy; the ones who don’t have food in excess. That’s because they’re the ones who receive the Eid Fitrana.
Why Should I Pay Fitrana before the Eid Prayer?
Fitrana has to be paid within the month of Ramadan and before the Eid prayer begins. Other than that, it’s more or less up to you when you pay it. It’s just important to donate your Fitrana in time for the needy to benefit for Eid since no one should fast on that day.
Unfortunately, many poor Muslims are unable to celebrate Eid in the way that Allah (SWT) intended us to.
It’s on this basis that we must collect Sadaqatul Fitr before Eid prayers, so that underprivileged Muslims can afford the appropriate amount of food, and partake in Eid celebrations with the rest of the Ummah.
When should Fitrana be distributed?
Although the only concrete ruling is to pay Sadaqatul Fitr before the Eid prayer, it is much better to pay it a few days before Eid. The reason for this is to allow an adequate amount of time for the recipients to prepare their food for the celebration.
The Repercussions of Paying Fitrana After Eid Prayers
Make sure not to be late though. Once the moon of Shawwal is sighted, time is quickly running out. If you pay it late, it will not count as Sadaqatul Fitr, it’s just a normal Sadaqah with much less of a reward.
“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]
How to Pay Fitrana
Ultimately, it’s up to you how you pay your Fitrana; whether you pay with food or with money, it’s your choice as Allah (SWT) accepts both.
“The Prophet (PBUH) enjoined the payment of one Sa' of dates or one Sa' of barley as Zakat ul Fitr on every Muslim slave or free, male or female, young or old, and he ordered that it be paid before the people went out to offer the Eid prayer." [Bukhari]
Who Should I Pay Fitrana to?
It’s down to you who to give it to as well, so long as it’s to those who are in need. They can be relatives, neighbours, the needy in your local community or collectors of Zakat like charities such as Charity Right. Just take note that non-Muslims are not entitled to receive Fitrana.
How to Donate Your Fitrana Now
Want a quick and easy way to donate your Fitrana payments? We can take care of it for you! All you have to do is click here.
