Zakat al Fitr (also known as 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. Zakat al-Fitr is compulsory upon every self-supporting adult Muslim who has food in excess of their needs, on behalf of themselves and their dependants.

Ibn `Abbas (may Allah be pleased with him) reported:

How much is Zakat al Fitr (Fitrana) per person?

The quantity is described by the Prophet (PBUH) as one saa’ of food, and 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 £5. Therefore the amount due for each person is £5.

As Islamic Relief acts as a charitable agent, we can therefore be given the money to pay for the food beforehand which we will then spend where needed at the correct time to buy the food. As a result, this will be distributed among those people around the world that are in need.

Who is it obligatory on to pay Zakat al Fitr (Fitrana)?

Any Muslim who has food in excess of their needs must pay Zakat al 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.

When to pay Fitrana?

Fitrana (Zakat ul Fitr) must be paid within the month of Ramadan. Most scholars agree that the latest it can be paid is before the Eid prayer begins so that those in need can benefit in time for Eid. However, some scholars state that Fitrana must be paid before the sunset of the final day in Ramadan.