Fitrah FAQ Guide

Fitrah – Zakat al-Fitr – Fitrana – Sadaqat al-Fitr

Q: What is Fitrah?
A: Fitrah is also often referred to as Sadaqat al-Fitr. The word Fitr means the same as
Iftaar, “breaking a fast”, and it comes from the same root word as Futoor, meaning
“breakfast”. Thus, in Islam, Fitrah is the name given to the charity that is distributed at
the end of the fast of Ramadan.

Q: How is Fitrah calculated?

A: The amount of Fitrah payable is called a “sa’a”, ie the minimum prescribed amount.
It is the same for everyone, regardless of their different income brackets. One sa’a is
traditionally (two handfuls or 2.176kg, approximately) of food, grain or dried fruit. This
calculation is based on Ibn ‘Umar's report that the Prophet (SAW) made Fitrah
compulsory and payable by a sa’a of dried dates or a sa’a of barley.

Q: What is the status accorded to Fitrah?

A: It is a duty that is compulsory on every Muslim, whether male or female, minor or
adult as long as he/she has the means to do so. The head of the household may pay
the Fitrah on behalf of family members.

In reference to this, Abu Sa'eed al-Khudree said, "On behalf of our young and old, free
men and slaves, we used to take out one sa’a of grain, cheese or raisins during Allah's
Messenger's (SAW) lifetime". [Sahih Muslim 2:469 (2155)]
Ibn Abbas reported,
Bear in mind that Fitrah is only compulsory for a particular period of time. If one misses
the time period without a good reason, he has sinned and cannot make up for it. This "The Prophet (SAW) made
charity becomes obligatory from sunset on the last day of fasting and remains
obligatory until the beginning of the Eid prayer (that is, shortly after sunrise on the Fitrah compulsory so that
following day). However, it can be paid prior to the above mentioned period, as many
those who fasted may be
of the companions of the Prophet (SAW) used to pay Fitrah a couple of days before
Eid. purified of their idle deeds

Q: What is the main purpose of Fitrah? and shameful talk

A: The main purpose of Fitrah is to provide those who fasted with the means of making (committed during
up for their errors during the month of fasting, thereby purifying their Ramadan fast.
Fitrah also provides the poor with a means with which they can celebrate with dignity Ramadan) and so that the
the Eid-ul-Fitr festival that concludes the end of Ramadan together with the rest of the
community. poor may be fed. Whoever

gives it before Eid prayer

Ibn Abbas reported, "The Prophet (SAW) made Fitrah compulsory so that those who
fasted may be purified of their idle deeds and shameful talk (committed during will have it accepted as
Ramadan) and so that the poor may be fed. Whoever gives it before Eid prayer will
Zakat, while he who gives it
have it accepted as Zakat, while he who gives it after the prayer has given Sadaqah."
[Abu Dawood 2: 421 (1605)] after the prayer has given

Hence, the goal of Fitrah is the spiritual development of the Believers. By making them Sadaqah."
give up some of their wealth, the believers are taught the higher moral characteristics [Abu Dawood 2: 421 (1605)]
of generosity, compassion (sympathy for the less fortunate), gratitude to God and the
righteousness. But, since Islam does not neglect human material needs, part of the
goal of Fitrah is the welfare of the poorer members of society.

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Ibn Abbas reported, "The Prophet (SAW) made Fitrah
compulsory so that those who fasted may be purified of their
idle deeds and shameful talk (committed during Ramadan)
and so that the poor may be fed. Whoever gives it before
Eid prayer will have it accepted as Zakat, while he who gives
it after the prayer has given Sadaqah." [Abu Dawood 2: 421
(1605)]

Hence, the goal of Fitrah is the spiritual development of the

Believers. By making them give up some of their wealth, the
believers are taught the higher moral characteristics of
generosity, compassion (sympathy for the less fortunate),
gratitude to God and the righteousness. But, since Islam
does not neglect human material needs, part of the goal of
Fitrah is the welfare of the poorer members of society.
Fitrah effects a circulation of wealth within society. Each
individual is required to calculate how much charity is due
from himself and his dependents, and consider who in the
community at large are in need of such charity. Thus, Fitrah
contributes to developing “compassion with action” towards
the needy. Bonds of love, brotherhood and sisterhood,
across levels of society are thereby built.

Q: Is it permissible to pay Fitrah in cash?

A: Nowadays, Muslims are generally allowed to pay in cash
an equivalent value of “one sa’a” of Fitrah. Scholars opined
that Fitrah can be paid in cash if it is better from the point of
view of the recipients. If one who gives Fitrah is relatively
wealthy, it would also be better for him or her to pay more
than the amount of a sa’a..

Q: Who are the recipients of Fitrah?

A: The recipients (asnaf) of Fitrah are the same as those of
Zakah.

DONATE YOUR FITRAH TODAY

Five Easy Ways to Donate

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PO Box 395, Bankstown NSW 2200

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BSB: 062 191 Account Number: 1044 8216
(Please mail/fax deposit stub to MAA for
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1800 100 786 or 02 8016 9500

www.muslimaid.org.au

Page 2 Muslim Aid Australia - FItrah FAQ Guide