Zakat al Fitr (also known as Fitrana) is a charitable donation of food that must be given for the love of Allah before Eid prayer, before the end of the month of Ramadan. Fitrana is a tradition that must be carried out by all self-supporting adults who have more food than they need, on behalf of themselves and their dependents.
Ibn `Abbas (may Allah be pleased with him) reported:
“The Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) ordained Zakat al 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]
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 $17. Therefore, the amount due for each person is $17.
At the time of the Prophet (PBUH) Fitrana (Zakat al Fitr) would be given as one saa’. Therefore the quantity is described by Prophet (PBUH) 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.
We are frequently asked ‘how much is Eid Fitrana?’. If we translate this into a monetary value based on the price of a staple food such as flour or rice, it is approximately $17. Therefore, the amount due for each person is $17. This is the amount set by ANIC for 2023.
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 for other members of the family.
Fitrana, sometimes referred to as Eid Fitrana or Sadaqatul Fitr, is a charitable donation that must be given before the Eid al Fitr prayer. Therefore, it must be given before the end of the month of Ramadan.
Sadaqatul Fitr is an alternative name for Fitrana or Zakat al Fitr.
Fitrana (Zakat al Fitr) is a 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.
Fitrana (Zakal al 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.
It is compulsory for every member of a household including children and babies to pay Zakat al Fitr (Fitrana). However, parents/guardians may pay on behalf of their children/dependents.
The majority of scholars hold the opinion that only the first two categories of the recipients of Zakat can receive Fitrana.
One of the conditions of Fitrana (Zakat al Fitr) is that it must be paid before the Eid prayer. However, if paid after it will be treated as Sadaqah, therefore the reward will be lesser.
An agent is someone who facilitates your paying of Fitrana (Zakat al Fitr) because they are better placed to distribute it. You can pay them in currency because it is as if you are asking them to pay on your behalf. We use that money to buy the food which we give to the appropriate recipients, therefore, it is as if you are the one giving food rather than currency.
Yes you can, according to the Hanafi Madh-hab. The Shafi’i Madh-hab also follows this ruling.
Visit our Zakat page for answers on frequently asked questions around Zakat.
