❀ Important Rulings and Issues Regarding Zakat al-Fitr in Ramadan ❀
Written by: Hafiz Khizr Hayat
Zakat al-Fitr—also known as Fitrana or Sadaqat al-Fitr—is a form of charity obligatory upon every Muslim before Eid al-Fitr. It serves two primary purposes:
◈ طُهرةٌ للصَّائِمِ مِنَ اللَّغوِ والرَّفث
A purification for the fasting person from idle talk and improper behavior.
◈ طُعمةٌ للمساكين
A means of provision for the poor and needy.
Even children, regardless of whether they fast or not, must have Fitrana paid on their behalf.
Shaykh ʿAbd al-Rahman al-Saʿdi (رحمه الله) further explains its benefits:
◈ It is the zakat of the body, required of every individual, whether fasting or not.
◈ It is a way to express gratitude to Allah for completing the month of Ramadan.
(Irshad Awla al-Basa'ir wa al-Albab, p. 134–135)
Zakat al-Fitr is obligatory (fard) on every Muslim. The Prophet ﷺ said:
فرَض رسولُ الله صلَّى الله عليه وسلَّم صدقةَ الفِطرِ…
"The Messenger of Allah ﷺ made Zakat al-Fitr obligatory..."
[Bukhari 1512 | Muslim 984]
The scholars have unanimous consensus (ijmaʿ) on its obligation.
(al-Ijmaʿ, Ibn al-Mundhir, p. 47; Bidayat al-Mujtahid, 1/279)
The Prophet ﷺ said:
فرَض رسولُ الله زكاةَ الفِطر… على العبدِ والحُرِّ، والذَّكرِ والأنثى، والصَّغير والكبيرِ مِنَ المسلمينَ.
"The Messenger of Allah ﷺ made Zakat al-Fitr obligatory on the slave and free, male and female, young and old among the Muslims."
[Bukhari 1503 | Muslim 984]
✔ Even a poor person who receives charity must pay Fitrana.
✔ A newborn born on the last day of Ramadan is also included.
The Prophet ﷺ specified the amount as one ṣāʿ (صاع) of staple food.
[Bukhari 1510]
◈ Ṣāʿ is an ancient Arab measure used for volume.
◈ For wheat or flour, this is estimated to be 2100–2500 grams.
(Lajnat al-ʿUlama’ al-Ifta’, Fatwa no. 290)
During the Prophet’s ﷺ time, Fitrana was paid using dates, barley, raisins, or cheese.
[Bukhari 1510]
✔ Today, wheat, rice, or other staple food items are valid.
✔ Cash value may also be paid if it benefits the needy, which is widely accepted among scholars.
This year, the cash equivalent based on wheat is approximately 300–400 PKR.
Timing:
◈ Beginning: After sunset on the last day of Ramadan.
◈ Deadline: Before the Eid prayer.
أمر بها أن تُؤدَّى قبل خُروجِ النَّاسِ إلى الصَّلاةِ
"He ordered that it be paid before the people go out for prayer."
[Bukhari 1503 | Muslim 984]
✔ It is permissible to pay it 1–2 days before Eid, as practiced by ʿAbdullah ibn ʿUmar (رضي الله عنه).
[Bukhari 1511]
طُعمةً للمَساكينِ
"...As food for the poor."
[Abu Dawud 1609 | Sahih al-Jamiʿ 3570]
✔ Fitrana must be given to the poor and needy (fuqara’ wa masakin).
✔ If direct distribution is not possible, it may be given through a trustworthy charitable organization.
Conditions:
① Local needy people should not be neglected.
② It must reach recipients before Eid prayer.
Shaykh Ibn ʿUthaymeen (رحمه الله):
It is allowed to send Fitrana elsewhere when there are no local needy, but not without need.
(Majmuʿ Fatawa Ibn ʿUthaymeen, Vol. 18)
Saudi Permanent Fatwa Committee:
Transferring Fitrana is permissible provided it reaches the poor before Eid prayer.
(Fatawa al-Lajnah al-Da’imah, 9/369–370)
✔ Fitrana is Sunnah to be paid before Eid prayer, ideally before the last night of Ramadan.
✔ If sending abroad, ensure timely delivery to the needy.
✔ Help the poor celebrate Eid with joy and dignity.
Written by: Hafiz Khizr HayatWhat Is Zakat al-Fitr (Fitrana)?
Zakat al-Fitr—also known as Fitrana or Sadaqat al-Fitr—is a form of charity obligatory upon every Muslim before Eid al-Fitr. It serves two primary purposes:
◈ طُهرةٌ للصَّائِمِ مِنَ اللَّغوِ والرَّفث
A purification for the fasting person from idle talk and improper behavior.
◈ طُعمةٌ للمساكين
A means of provision for the poor and needy.
Even children, regardless of whether they fast or not, must have Fitrana paid on their behalf.
Shaykh ʿAbd al-Rahman al-Saʿdi (رحمه الله) further explains its benefits:
◈ It is the zakat of the body, required of every individual, whether fasting or not.
◈ It is a way to express gratitude to Allah for completing the month of Ramadan.
(Irshad Awla al-Basa'ir wa al-Albab, p. 134–135)
Ruling on Zakat al-Fitr
Zakat al-Fitr is obligatory (fard) on every Muslim. The Prophet ﷺ said:
فرَض رسولُ الله صلَّى الله عليه وسلَّم صدقةَ الفِطرِ…
"The Messenger of Allah ﷺ made Zakat al-Fitr obligatory..."
[Bukhari 1512 | Muslim 984]
The scholars have unanimous consensus (ijmaʿ) on its obligation.
(al-Ijmaʿ, Ibn al-Mundhir, p. 47; Bidayat al-Mujtahid, 1/279)
On Whom Is Zakat al-Fitr Obligatory?
The Prophet ﷺ said:
فرَض رسولُ الله زكاةَ الفِطر… على العبدِ والحُرِّ، والذَّكرِ والأنثى، والصَّغير والكبيرِ مِنَ المسلمينَ.
"The Messenger of Allah ﷺ made Zakat al-Fitr obligatory on the slave and free, male and female, young and old among the Muslims."
[Bukhari 1503 | Muslim 984]
✔ Even a poor person who receives charity must pay Fitrana.
✔ A newborn born on the last day of Ramadan is also included.
Amount of Fitrana
The Prophet ﷺ specified the amount as one ṣāʿ (صاع) of staple food.
[Bukhari 1510]
◈ Ṣāʿ is an ancient Arab measure used for volume.
◈ For wheat or flour, this is estimated to be 2100–2500 grams.
(Lajnat al-ʿUlama’ al-Ifta’, Fatwa no. 290)
What Should Fitrana Be Paid In?
During the Prophet’s ﷺ time, Fitrana was paid using dates, barley, raisins, or cheese.
[Bukhari 1510]
✔ Today, wheat, rice, or other staple food items are valid.
✔ Cash value may also be paid if it benefits the needy, which is widely accepted among scholars.
This year, the cash equivalent based on wheat is approximately 300–400 PKR.When Should Fitrana Be Paid?
Timing:
◈ Beginning: After sunset on the last day of Ramadan.
◈ Deadline: Before the Eid prayer.
أمر بها أن تُؤدَّى قبل خُروجِ النَّاسِ إلى الصَّلاةِ
"He ordered that it be paid before the people go out for prayer."
[Bukhari 1503 | Muslim 984]
✔ It is permissible to pay it 1–2 days before Eid, as practiced by ʿAbdullah ibn ʿUmar (رضي الله عنه).
[Bukhari 1511]
Who Is Eligible to Receive Fitrana?
طُعمةً للمَساكينِ
"...As food for the poor."
[Abu Dawud 1609 | Sahih al-Jamiʿ 3570]
✔ Fitrana must be given to the poor and needy (fuqara’ wa masakin).
✔ If direct distribution is not possible, it may be given through a trustworthy charitable organization.
Ruling on Sending Fitrana Abroad
Conditions:
① Local needy people should not be neglected.
② It must reach recipients before Eid prayer.
Shaykh Ibn ʿUthaymeen (رحمه الله):
It is allowed to send Fitrana elsewhere when there are no local needy, but not without need.
(Majmuʿ Fatawa Ibn ʿUthaymeen, Vol. 18)
Saudi Permanent Fatwa Committee:
Transferring Fitrana is permissible provided it reaches the poor before Eid prayer.
(Fatawa al-Lajnah al-Da’imah, 9/369–370)
Key Points to Remember
✔ Fitrana is Sunnah to be paid before Eid prayer, ideally before the last night of Ramadan.
✔ If sending abroad, ensure timely delivery to the needy.
✔ Help the poor celebrate Eid with joy and dignity.
