Fitrana, also called Zakat ul-Fitr, is an obligatory charitable donation all Muslims are required to make during Ramadan. It stems from the third pillar of Islam, Zakat, which refers to giving to charity in order to please Allah (SWT) and become both a better Muslim and a better community member by giving to those less fortunate.
It's not uncommon to get Zakat and Zakat ul-Fitr mixed up, as they have similar meanings as well as names. There are many questions relating to Zakat ul-Fitr (Fitrana), and we have answered them for you below.
“How much is Fitrana?” is among the most common questions that we receive and the answer is simple. The Zakat ul-Fitr amount 2024 is calculated in the same way it is every year, meaning it is based on the current price of a staple food, equivalent to a specific weight known as a Sa'.
This year, the amount you pay for Zakat ul-Fitr 2024 will be clarified closer to the time.
“The Prophet (PBUH) enjoined the payment of one Sa' of dates or one Sa' of barley as Zakat ul Fitr on every Muslim slave or free, male or female, young or old, and he ordered that it be paid before the people went out to offer the Eid prayer." - (Bukhari)
The meaning of Fitrana can be explained through the translation of “Zakat ul-Fitr” which translates in English as charity given to break a fast. The Fitrana meaning is the same as much of Islam; by giving to charity, you are helping those less fortunate, showing compassion and empathy, and demonstrating your gratefulness for all Allah (SWT) has given you.
This obligatory donation is given before Eid prayers commence at the start of Eid and is given to ensure those in need are able to partake in Eid ul-Fitr celebrations.
Every Muslim should pay Fitrana – if a dependent is unable to make a payment, the head of the household must make the payment on their behalf. It is important that a payment is made for every household member.
To pay Fitrana 2024 in the UK, all donations must be made before Eid commences on Tuesday 9 April. Please note that dates are subject to the official sighting of the moon. You can pay your Fitrana donations with Muslim Aid today.
The main difference between the two is eligibility. Zakat ul-Fitr/Fitrana is an obligation which applies to Muslims of all ages and incomes. The only people exempt from paying Fitrana are those who lack 3kg (equivalent to one Sa’) of staple foods in excess of what they reasonably need. In comparison, only adults who meet or surpass the nisab threshold are required to pay Zakat, meaning children and those who do not earn enough or who are unable to hold their wealth against the nisab value for a full year need not pay.
Zakat ul-Fitr states that children living in a home with food that exceeds the amount that they need must make a payment. Therefore, the head of the household is required to pay on their behalf.
The amount of money that is required to be given will vary. However, Zakat is equal to 2.5% of an one’s complete savings, whilst Zakat ul-Fitr donations are usually considerably smaller - at around £5 or less.
One final difference relates to when the two payments are due. Zakat is among the least restrictive of the Five Pillars of Islam and can be paid at any point of the year, as long as the payments reflect a full Islamic (lunar) years’ worth of savings. On the other hand, Zakat ul-Fitr must be paid during the Holy month of Ramadan and, most notably, before the month finishes and Eid commences. It is important to keep this deadline in mind, as making a payment too late renders it invalid. As giving Zakat ul-Fitr is obligatory for all Muslims, it cannot be made up at a later date.
Muslim Aid utilises your Zakat-al-Fitr donations to help make a difference to the lives of some of the most vulnerable, disadvantaged people in the world. From supporting the innocent citizens of Syria through to assisting the Muslim community within Myanmar, we continually work to support those in need.
Your Fitrana donation can make all the difference. Please donate today.
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