Praise be to Allah, and peace and blessings upon His Messenger ﷺ At the end of Ramadan, every financially capable Muslim (sahib al-nisab) is obligated to give Zakat al-Fitr (Fitrana). Its purpose is to compensate for any shortcomings in fasting and to help those in need so everyone can celebrate Eid with joy.
Question 1: Who must pay Fitrana?
Answer: Fitrana is obligatory on every financially capable Muslim, whether male or female, adult or child. “The Messenger of Allah ﷺ made Zakat al-Fitr obligatory: one sa’ of dates or one sa’ of barley on every free person and slave, male and female, young and old among the Muslims.” (Al-Bukhari 1503) The Prophetic Saa is 2.75 Kg.
Question 2: How much Fitrana should be given?
Answer (Fiqh Reference: Shafi’i & Hanafi): Wheat 1.35Kg; dates, barely and Raisins 2.75 Kg.
Question 3: Can Fitrana be paid in cash?
Answer: Yes. Especially in the UK, many Muslims pay cash equivalents to allow immediate assistance to those in need. The amount should reflect the market value of the staple items above.
Question 4: How much should be given per person in the UK?
We have presented the minimum amount of Fitrana above. However, since we live in a relatively prosperous society we should give more than the minimum amount. So, depending on our income: those on low income (less than £20k/year) could pay the minimum, £6; those on middle income, £39k may pay £10; and those on high income more than £60k can pay £12. This allows each person to pay according to their financial ability while helping as many eligible people as possible. This is only a recommendation to be generous.
When should I pay Fitrana? Preferably before the Eid prayer. It is also permissible to give it in the last days of Ramadan.
Question 6: Who should receive Fitrana?
Answer: Only those eligible for Zakat — the needy and poor Muslims.
Question 7: On whose behalf should it be given?
Answer: The head of the household should pay for themselves and their dependents (spouse and minor children).
This Fatwa is written by Dr Musharraf Hussain Al-Azhari