What is Fitrana (Zakat ul Fitr)?

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.

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]

The quantity is described by the Prophet (SAW) 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 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 stuffs. As a result, this will be distributed among those people around the world that are in need.

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

At the time of the Prophet (SAW) Fitrana (Zakat ul Fitr) would be given as one saa’. Therefore the quantity is described 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.

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 £5. Therefore, the amount due for each person is £5. 

Who is eligible for 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.