Introduction: The Concept of Fitrana (Sadaqah al-Fitr)
Fitrana, also known as Sadaqah al-Fitr or Zakat al-Fitr, is a mandatory charity in Islam given before Eid al-Fitr, which marks the end of Ramadan. During Ramadan, Muslims are required to abstain from indecent behavior or speech. Fitrana is a symbol of the purification of both wealth and soul, ensuring that those who are financially able to support those who are less fortunate.Â
In this blog, we aim to provide comprehensive insights into the concept of Fitrana and its significance in Islam. We will answer some of the frequently asked questions regarding Fitrana, such as what it is, who pays it, who is eligible for it, and how to pay it. We will also discuss the differences between Fitrana and Zakat, another important Islamic concept related to charity.
Our goal is to help you better understand Fitrana and its importance in supporting those in need during Ramadan and Eid al-Fitr celebrations. By the end of this blog, you will have a clear idea of what Fitrana is, how it works, and how you can fulfill your obligation towards it as a Muslim.
What is Fitrana (Sadaqah Fitr) in Islam?
Fitrana is a form of charity (sadaqah) in Islam, which is also known as Zakat ul-Fitr or Sadaqah al-Fitr. It is derived from the Arabic word “fitr,” which means breaking one’s fast.Â
The main objective of Zakat al-Fitr is to bring happiness to those in need on Eid-ul-Fitr. By paying it early, you can ensure timely assistance to those who require it the most. The primary goal of this form of charity is to provide basic necessities and joy to people who are experiencing poverty on Eid-ul-Fitr.Â
To learn more about Islamic charitable practices, such as Sadaqah and Zakat, and their impact, consider exploring related blog posts:Â
- “Islamic Charity: Sadaqah, Zakat, and More”
- “Acts of Sadaqah Jariyah in Islam“
- “The Unbelievable Benefits of Sadaqah“
Is Fitrana the Same as Zakat?
Zakat is one of the Five Pillars of Islam, and Fitrana is an additional charity. While both Fitrana and Zakat involve giving to those in need, they differ in several key aspects.
Timing: Fitrana is specifically given before Eid al-Fitr, whereas Zakat is given throughout the year based on one’s wealth and possessions.
Obligation: Fitrana is obligatory for every Muslim who possesses the financial means to donate, while Zakat is obligatory for those who meet specific wealth criteria (Nisab) and have possessed wealth for a lunar year.
Purpose: Fitrana helps those in need during Ramadan, while Zakat serves broader purposes, including alleviating poverty and supporting people in need throughout the year.
In conclusion, both types of charity are essential for supporting those in need and promoting social welfare in Islam. For more information about Zakat, please visit our blog post, “The fourth pillar of Islam.”
Who Pays Fitrana?
Fitrana is a mandatory donation that every financially stable Muslim, even a slave, must give. This includes adults and legal guardians who are responsible for dependents, such as children or older family members. Therefore, individuals must pay Fitrana on their behalf and on behalf of those under their care.
Abu Huraira (ra) reported Allah’s Messenger (saw) as saying:
There is no Sadaqa on a slave except Sadaqat-ul-Fitr.
Sahih Muslim 982d
Ibn Umar (ra) said that
Allah’s Messenger (pbuh) prescribed the payment of Zakat-ul-Fitr (on breaking the fast) of Ramadan for people, for every freeman, or slave, male and female among the Muslims-one sa’ of dried dates, or one sa’ of barley.
Sahih Muslim 984a
Who is Eligible for Fitrana?
Following Islamic law (Sharia), Fitrana is provided to specific categories of people in need. According to Islamic tradition, six categories of individuals are eligible to receive assistance: people with low income, the needy, those in debt, new Muslims or those needing reconciliation with the community, slaves seeking emancipation, and travelers in temporary need.
Is Fitrana Compulsory?
Yes, Zakat al-Fitr is an obligatory act of charity for all Muslims, regardless of gender or age, who have the financial means to give.
How to Pay Fitrana?
Paying Fitrana is a significant obligation in Islam, and it can be done by following these steps:Â
- Make a sincere intention (niyyah) to fulfill the obligation of Fitrana as an act of worship and obedience to Allah (swt) before making the payment.
- To calculate the Fitrana due, determine the value of staple food items or their equivalent monetary value for each family member.
- When paying Fitrana, you can choose between cash, electronic transfer, or purchasing and donating food items.
- Identify eligible individuals or organizations in the community for Fitrana, including the needy, debtors, and charities.
By following these steps, you can fulfill Fitrana, purify your wealth and soul, and ensure that your charity reaches those in need.
When to Pay Fitrana?
Fitrana is a mandatory charitable contribution that Muslims give during Ramadan or before Eid al-Fitr. According to the practice of Prophet Muhammad, as narrated by Hazrat Ibn Umar (RA), we should pay it before attending the Eid prayer.
The Messenger of Allah (swt) would order paying the Zakat before going to the Salat on the day of Fitr.
[Jami` at-Tirmidhi 677]
Can I Give Fitrana After Eid?
Regarding the timing of Fitrana, it is emphasized that it should be given before the Eid prayer. However, if someone fails to give Fitrana before the prayer due to a valid reason, such as forgetfulness or not finding a deserving recipient, it can still be given after the prayer. This allowance provides flexibility while maintaining the spirit of helping those in need during the festive season.
The hadith narrated by Hazrat Abdullah ibn Abbas (ra) underscores the importance of giving Fitrana before the Eid prayer.
The Messenger of Allah (saw) prescribed the sadaqah (alms) relating to the breaking of the fast as a purification of the fasting from empty and obscene talk and as food for the needy person. If anyone pays it before the prayer (of Eid), it will be accepted as Zakat. If anyone pays it after the prayer, that will be like other sadaqahs (alms).
[Sunan Abi Dawud 1609]
Do You Pay Fitrana on Eid ul Adha?
No, Zakatul-Fitr is not associated with Eid ul Adha. It is only related to Eid ul-Fitr. Eid ul-Adha is celebrated to honor the willingness of Prophet Ibrahim (as) to sacrifice his son as an act of obedience to Allah (swt).Â
For more details about Eid ul Adha, you can read the blog titled “Eid ul Adha Traditions or The Festival of Sacrifice and Devotion.”
How Much Fitrana Per Person?
The amount of Fitrana per person is typically equivalent to the value of one Saa’ of the region’s staple food.
The hadith narrated by Hazrat Ibn Umar (ra) from Sahih al-Bukhari outlines the obligation of Fitrana and its quantity:
Allah’s Messenger (saw) enjoined the payment of one Sa’ of dates or one Sa’ of barley as Zakat-ul-Fitr on every enslaved Muslim 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. (One Sa’ = 3 Kilograms approx.)
[Sahih al-Bukhari 1503]
How is Fitrana Calculated?
The required amount for Sadaqat ul Fitr is calculated based on the price of one meal and is payable by every eligible Muslim after deducting their liabilities. The current price of Sadaqatul Fitr is approximately equivalent to 2.5 kg or 3 kg of wheat, barley, or dates per person.
Conclusion: Fulfilling Our Obligation
In conclusion, Fitrana is a mandatory form of charity that every financially stable Muslim must give before Eid al-Fitr. It is a symbol of purification of both wealth and soul, ensuring that those who are financially able to support those who are less fortunate. By paying Fitrana, Muslims can ensure timely assistance to those who require it the most and provide basic necessities and joy to people who are experiencing poverty on Eid-ul-Fitr.Â
Let us continue to practice this essential act of charity, enriching our souls and strengthening the bonds of brotherhood and sisterhood within the Muslim Ummah.
