Zakat al-Fitr, also known as Fitrana, is a compulsory sum for every Muslim to pay during or at the end of the holy month of Ramadan, the fasting month for Muslims.
What is Zakat al-Fitr?
Zakat al-Fitr is a form of obligatory alms given to poor people. It is a minimal donation and provides an opportunity for a Muslim to erase the sins he committed during the blessed month, intentionally or unintentionally, and finish his fast perfectly.
The literal meaning of the word Zakat is growth and purification, a way to purify a person’s soul and wealth from greed and selfishness.
In contrast, The word al-Fitr is derived from the Arabic word “fast-breaking” (iftar), which means eating after abstaining from eating and drinking.
When is Zakat al-Fitr Payable?
Originally, Zakat al-Fitr must be paid at any time during Ramadan; however, it must be paid before the Eid Prayer.
Zakat al-Fitr is best paid on the last few days of Ramadan until before the Eid Prayer at the latest, based on a statement of the Companion Ibn ‘Abbas:
“It is accepted as Zakat for one who pays it before the Eid Prayer. It is a charity like other charities for one who pays it after”. (Al-Shawkani, Nayl Al-Awtar).
According to the opinion of some of the majority of scholars, such as Hanafi and Shafi’i, they say that you can pay zakat al-Fitr on any day of Ramadan, therefore, can pay it early, especially if you are going to give it to zakat-collecting associations, so it reaches those in need at the right time.
How Much is Zakat al-Fitr?
The value of zakat al-Fitr is approximately (2.5) kilograms of the country’s staple food, and the corresponding amount of money varies each year according to the country.
Here are some examples this year:
- In The U.S.A, $12 per person.
- In The U.K, £5 per person.
- In The U.A.E., 7$ per person.
Islamic Relief Worldwide said: “Approximately £5/US$7 per head is a safe estimated amount”.
Who Should Pay Zakat al-Fitr?
Zakat al-Fitr is obligatory for every Muslim who has more than his food and his family’s food on the night of Eid.
Every single family member has to give Zakat al-Fitr, young or old. It doesn’t matter if you’re (60) years old or (6) years old; the head of the household may pay on behalf of his family, his wife, children, parents, servants, or any dependent relatives he’s responsible for.
What is the Purpose of Zakat al-Fitr?
Zakat al-Fitr has two primary purposes, the first one is on a personal level, and the second one is for the Muslim community as a whole:
- The Benefits of Zakat al-Fitr for a Muslim: Giving Zakat al-Fitr completes the worship of fasting Ramadan. It purifies the Muslim’s heart and soul, granting him peace and satisfaction and increasing his wealth. It is how we, Muslims, show gratitude to Allah SWT, for enabling us to perform this worship and purify it for the sake of Allah the Greatest.
“Take from their wealth ˹O Prophet˺ charity to purify and bless them, and pray for them—surely your prayer is a source of comfort for them. And Allah is All-Hearing, All-Knowing.” Surah At-Tawbah – Vers 103.
- The Benefits of Zakat al-Fitr for the Islamic community: Enhancing social solidarity among Muslims, spreading happiness, and bringing the joyful vibes of Eid to the hearts of the poor and needy of our Muslim sisters and brothers, their children, and families. Our beloved Prophet (PBUH) said about the Fitrana: “Gratify [the poor] on this day.”.
Allah Almighty said: “Establish prayer, and pay alms-tax. Whatever good you send forth for yourselves, you will ˹certainly˺ find ˹its reward˺ with Allah. Surely Allah is All-Seeing of what you do.” Surah Al-Baqarah – verse 110
How is Zakat al-Fitr Paid?
“Alms-tax is only for the poor and the needy, for those employed to administer it, for those whose hearts are attracted ˹to the faith˺, for ˹freeing˺ slaves, for those in debt, for Allah’s cause, and for ˹needy˺ travellers. ˹This is˺ an obligation from Allah. And Allah is All-Knowing, All-Wise.” Surah Al-Tawbah – verse 60.
You can pay the alms of Zakat al-Fitr, the last week of Ramadan, directly to a poor and needy family or person you know, whether in cash or by purchasing essential food and delivering the purchase package to them. You can also give your Zakat alms to zakat-collecting organizations responsible for providing aid baskets – from Zakat money – for Poor Muslims before Eid, like SEMA Organization.
Donate your zakat to SEMA
SEMA is playing a crucial role in helping Syrian refugees who have been forced to flee their homes due to conflict and violence.
SEMA does so by collecting zakat from Muslims around the world and investing them in several projects to benefit the refugees.
These projects include providing food, shelter, education, and medical care to those in need. SEMA also is dedicated to empowering refugees by providing them with livelihood opportunities, vocational training, and psychosocial support.
Donating zakat to reliable organizations like SEMA is a way for Muslims to fulfill their religious obligation to care for those in need and seek Allah’s pleasure (SWT).
Most importantly, it is a means of purifying one’s wealth and soul and a way of showing gratitude for the blessings that Allah has bestowed upon us.
By donating zakat to organizations like SEMA, we can make a tangible impact on the lives of those who are struggling to survive in Syrian refugee camps.
Join SEMA’s mission today by donating your zakat to help make a difference in the lives of Syrian refugees and to promote social justice and equality.
FAQ
What is Zakat al-Fitr in Islam?
Zakat al-Fitr is a compulsory sum for every Muslim to pay during or at the end of the holy month of Ramadan, the fasting month for Muslims.
Is Zakat the Same as Zakat al-Fitr?
Zakat al-Fitr is one type of Zakat’s types.
When should Zakat al-Fitr be Paid?
You can pay your Zakat on any day during Ramadan, but it’s a must to pay it before the prayer on the first day of Eid al-Fitr.
How Much is Zakat al-Fitr 2023 Per Person?
The head of the household pays Zakat al-Fitr for each family member before Eid al-Fitr prayer. Zakat al-Fitr is about the price of one meal, estimated to be $15.
