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
Fitrah is due on every member of a household, including any children or elderly persons and is obligatory to pay before Eid salah.
The amount of Fitrah for this year with Islamic Relief is £5 per person. It has been calculated at this value based on the price of a staple food such as flour or rice. The donations are used to provide food for the needy.
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.
This Eid, Islamic Relief is delivering Zakat al-Fitr in 33 countries worldwide to children in need. This includes Palestine (Gaza), Yemen, and South Sudan, and Syria.
Donate as soon as possible, so your donations can reach those in need in advance of Eid day!