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Fitrana is one of the most important acts of charity connected to Ramadan. It purifies our fasts and ensures that everyone can celebrate Eid with dignity. Many Muslims ask the same questions every year. What is Fitrana? What does Fitrana mean? How much is the Fitrana amount? And how do you calculate it correctly for your family?
This guide is written to answer all of those questions in a clear and easy way. It is suitable for beginners and for those who want a refresher before Ramadan ends.
Fitrana, also known as Sadaqatul Fitr or Zakat al Fitr, is a compulsory charity that must be given at the end of Ramadan before the Eid prayer.
Ibn Umar may Allah be pleased with him reported:
“Ibn Umar reported that the Messenger of Allah (PBUH) prescribed Zakat-ul-Fitr of Ramadan one sa' of dates or one sa' of barley for every individual among the Muslims (whether) free man or slave, male or female, young or old.”
(Sahih Muslim 984)
This clearly establishes that Fitrana is an obligation on every Muslim who is able to pay it.
A Sa’ is a unit of measurement that was commonly used during the time of the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH). It was used to measure food and dry goods.
Scholars have carefully studied this measurement and agreed that one Sa’ is approximately 2.5 to 3 kilograms of staple food.
During the Prophet’s time, this food commonly included dates, barley, wheat, raisins, or similar items that were part of people’s daily diet.
This means that the Fitrana amount is based on giving the equivalent of one Sa’ of staple food for each person. In today’s context, many scholars allow this amount to be given as money, as long as it equals the value of the required quantity of food.
The word Fitrana comes from the Arabic word Fitr, which refers to breaking the fast.
The meaning of Fitrana is a charity given to mark the completion of fasting in Ramadan. It symbolises purification, gratitude, and care for the poor.
In Islam, acts of worship are not only personal. Fitrana connects fasting with social responsibility, ensuring that Eid is a day of dignity for everyone.
The purpose of Fitrana is explained clearly in the Sunnah of the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH).
Ibn Abbas, may Allah be pleased with him, said:
“The Messenger of Allah (PBUH) enjoined Zakatul-Fitr as a purification for the fasting person from idle talk and obscenities, and to feed the poor. Whoever pays it before the (Eid) prayer, it is an accepted Zakah, and whoever pays it after the prayer, it is (ordinary) charity.”
(Sunan Ibn Majah 1827)
This narration highlights the wisdom behind Fitrana and shows that it serves two essential purposes.
First, Fitrana acts as a purification for the fasting person. During Ramadan, a Muslim may unknowingly fall into minor mistakes such as unnecessary speech, impatience, or behaviour that reduces the reward of fasting. Fitrana helps cleanse these shortcomings and completes the fast in a spiritually sound way.
Second, Fitrana provides direct support to the poor and needy. By giving food or its value, Muslims ensure that those who struggle financially are not left hungry on the day of Eid. This allows everyone to share in the joy of Eid, regardless of their circumstances.
Scholars explain that Fitrana connects personal worship with social responsibility. It reminds Muslims that Ramadan is not only about self-discipline, but also about caring for others and strengthening the community.
Fitrana is obligatory upon every Muslim who possesses enough food for themselves and their dependents on the day and night of Eid.
This includes:
A parent or guardian must pay Fitrana on behalf of their children and those under their care.
There is no minimum wealth threshold like Zakat. If basic needs are met, Fitrana becomes obligatory.
Fitrana is given to the poor and needy.
Most scholars agree that it should be distributed among those who are eligible to receive Zakat, particularly people who struggle to meet their basic needs.
The goal is to ensure that those less fortunate can enjoy Eid without hardship.
The time for paying Fitrana begins at sunset on the last day of Ramadan.
It must be paid before the Eid prayer.
Nafi reported that Ibn Umar used to give Zakat al Fitr one or two days before Eid.
Paying Fitrana early helps ensure it reaches those in need on time. If it is delayed until after the Eid prayer, the obligation is still due, but the reward is reduced.
There is a scholarly difference of opinion on giving Fitrana in money.
The Hanafi school allows the payment of the monetary value instead of food. They argue that the purpose of Fitrana is to meet the needs of the poor, and giving money can sometimes be more beneficial and practical for them.
The Shafi‘i school does not permit giving Fitrana in money. They maintain that it must be given in staple food, as this was the clear practice of the Prophet ﷺ and his Companions.
The Maliki school holds that Fitrana should be given in staple food. However, some Maliki scholars have allowed giving its monetary value if it better serves the needs of the poor.
The Hanbali school also maintains that Fitrana should be given in food, following the explicit narrations that mention specific food items. Some later scholars within the school have allowed monetary payment in cases of need or benefit.
Many contemporary scholars today permit giving Fitrana in money, especially in countries where distributing food is impractical or where money better serves the poor.
However, in all cases where money is given, the value must match the cost of the required amount of staple food in that region.
Calculating Fitrana for 2026 is simple.
First, check the Fitrana amount announced by reliable scholars or trusted Islamic organisations in your country. This amount is based on the average cost of staple food and represents the minimum required per person.
Next, count the number of people you are responsible for. This includes yourself, your children, and any dependents under your care.
Then, multiply the per-person Fitrana amount by the total number of people. This gives you the total Fitrana you must pay.
Today, many Muslims choose to pay Fitrana through trusted online charities and Islamic organisations. These platforms help distribute Fitrana quickly and ensure it reaches eligible recipients before the Eid prayer.
If you are able to give slightly more, it is encouraged, as this increases the benefit for those in need and helps ensure the obligation is fully fulfilled.
One common mistake is delaying Fitrana until after the Eid prayer without a valid reason. While the charity is still accepted, it does not fulfil the obligation in the proper time.
Another mistake is forgetting to pay Fitrana for children, infants, or other dependants under one’s care. Fitrana is due for every individual, not just adults.
Some people also give less than the required amount, either due to confusion or lack of planning. This can be avoided by checking the correct Fitrana amount early and setting it aside before the end of Ramadan.
Planning ahead ensures that your Fitrana is paid on time and reaches those who need it most, allowing them to benefit from it on the day of Eid.
Fitrana is a simple yet deeply meaningful act of worship.
It completes Ramadan by purifying the fast and reminding Muslims of their responsibility towards others. Through Fitrana, the spiritual lessons of Ramadan extend beyond the individual and into the wider community.
By understanding what Fitrana is in Islam, its meaning, and how to calculate the Fitrana amount correctly, you can fulfil this obligation with confidence and peace of mind.
May Allah accept our fasting, our charity, and our efforts to care for one another. May He allow every believer to experience the joy of Eid with dignity and ease. Ameen.
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