1. What is Fitrana?
Fitrana (also called Zakat al‑Fitr or Sadaqatul Fitr) is an obligatory charity due from every Muslim at the end of Ramadan, before the Eid al‑Fitr prayer. It was prescribed by the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) to purify the fasting person from any shortcomings and to provide for the poor so they can also enjoy the festival of Eid.
2. Purpose of Paying Fitrana
The reasons for paying Fitrana include:
Spiritual purification: It cleanses the fasting person’s shortcomings during Ramadan.
Social welfare: It ensures poor and needy people have food to celebrate Eid with dignity.
Traditionally this was given as food (e.g., staple grains) but today many people give the monetary equivalent through charities that convert it into local food or support.
3. Who Must Pay Fitrana?
Fitrana is obligatory (wajib) on every Muslim who has more than enough food for their own family’s needs. This includes:
Adults and children
Persons with dependents (parents, children, others under care)
Even young children and infants are included; parents or guardians can pay on their behalf.
4. How Much to Pay (Fitrana Amount 2026)
The amount of Fitrana is traditionally based on a unit called sa‘ (approximately 2.5‑3 kg of staple food such as wheat, barley, dates, etc.). In modern contexts it is converted to a monetary equivalent. Typical 2026 guidance (varies by region):
United Kingdom: ~£5–£7 per person
United States: ~US $10–$15 per person
Australia: ~AU $12–$15 per person
These figures are estimates based on staple food costs and may differ slightly depending on charity or local pricing.
5. When to Pay Fitrana in 2026
Due Deadline
Fitrana must be paid before the Eid al‑Fitr prayer. For 2026, Eid al‑Fitr is expected to fall on 20th March 2026 (date may vary with moon sighting).
Recommended Timing
Best: 1–2 days before Eid (18‑19 March 2026)
Permissible: Any time during Ramadan
Too Late: After the Eid prayer — then it is treated as regular charity (sadaqah), not Fitrana.
Paying early helps charities distribute food before Eid and ensures your obligation is fulfilled in time.
6. How to Pay Fitrana
There are several ways to pay Fitrana:
In‑person donation: Directly give staple food or cash to eligible needy people.
Through a trusted charity: Donate online with organisations that distribute Fitrana on your behalf in areas of need.
Local mosque: Some mosques collect Fitrana donations and distribute locally.
Make sure the charity or person you give through is trustworthy and will use funds to benefit the poor before Eid.
7. Counting Household Members
When calculating your total Fitrana payment:
Count yourself
Your spouse
All children (including newborns)
Any dependents under your care
Multiply the number of people by the per‑person amount to find your total due.
8. Mistakes to Avoid
Paying after Eid prayer: This invalidates the obligatory Fitrana and becomes ordinary charity.
Forgetting dependents: Ensure all family members are included.
Paying too little: Giving less than the required staple equivalent does not fulfil the obligation.
9. Fitrana vs Other Duties
| Obligation | Fitrana | Zakat al‑Maal |
|---|---|---|
| When due | End of Ramadan (before Eid prayer) | Any time of year |
| Amount | Fixed per person | 2.5% of wealth above nisab |
| Purpose | Purify fast, feed poor for Eid | Purify wealth, support eligible recipients |
| Who pays | Every Muslim with food surplus | Muslims above nisab threshold |