Fitrana is a way to give thanks to God for having enabled us the strength to observe the obligatory fast, and to ensure that all people around the world, poor and all, are able to engage in the celebration and revelry of Eid al-fitr.
Fitrana is a way to give thanks to God for having enabled us the strength to observe the obligatory fast, and to ensure that all people around the world, poor and all, are able to engage in the celebration and revelry of Eid al-fitr.
How much is Fitrana for 2020?
The required value of Fitrana was described by the Prophet Mohammad (ﷺ) peace be upon him, as one saa. One saa is equivalent to four ‘madd’, which is translated as the amount one can hold when their hands are together.
In modern times, Fitrana is typically valued at the price of one meal to be received by a poor person before the Eid prayer. With Penny Appeal, this is priced at just £3.50 per person, the average price of a meal.
It is vital to pay your Fitrana before the date of Eid, to ensure that your donation is able to be distributed to the poor and the needy.
When should you pay your Fitrana in 2020?
Well, anytime in Ramadan, as it’s due before the day of Eid. In the UK, that’s expected to be on the 24th of May.
It is vital to pay your Fitrana before the date of Eid, to ensure that your donation is able to be distributed to the poor and the needy. It is also worth noting that the head of the household can give the charity on behalf of the other family members.
What is Fitrana and why is it important?
Zakat ul Fitr, commonly known as Fitrana, is a form of religious compulsory charity paid by Muslims at the end of the holy month of Ramadan.
One of the purposes of this charity is that it helps the circulation of wealth and build a bond of brother and sisterhood in the Muslim community. Traditionally, it was literally given from hand to hand in Muslim societies, making it a beautiful gesture shared between those in the community. Fitrana also allows poor Muslims to partake in the festivities of Eid, as all Muslims should.
Your commitment during Ramadan hinges upon paying Fitrana, as your good deeds in Ramadan are suspended until the small charitable amount is paid.
In fact, Fitrana was mandated in the second year of Hijrah, the same year in which Ramadan was made obligatory – that both descended at the same time shows the significance they both hold.
Every Muslim is obliged, if they have the means to do so, to pay the Fitrana before Eid al-Fitr. Adults should pay for themselves as well as children or others in their care unable to make the payment themselves.
Fitrana is a way to give thanks to God for having enabled us the strength to observe the obligatory fast, and to ensure that all people around the world, poor and all, are able to engage in the celebration and revelry of Eid al-Fitr. It’s also a way to cleanse ourselves of any shortcomings or misconduct during the month of Ramadan.
The Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) ordained that Zakat ul Fitr is to purify the fasting person from indecent words or actions, and to provide food for the needy. It is accepted as Zakah for the person who gives it before the Eid prayer; but it is a mere sadaqah for the one who gives it after the prayer.
Who receives Fitrana?
While the sunnah lays out when to give your Fitrana, the Quran informs us of who Fitrana can be distributed to. They fall into 8 categories:
- The poor
- The needy
- Collectors of Zakah
- To aid in the reconciliation of hearts
- Freeing captives / slaves
- Debtors
- The traveller
How will Penny Appeal use my Fitrana?
Honouring historic traditions, donations received as Fitrana will be used to provide meals to the hungry.
Working alongside experienced partners and major Muslim charities for distribution, we will ensure that 100% of your Fitrana goes towards providing meals for the neediest of people around the world. We will also be taking great care to make sure that our food is distributed in a safe manner, taking precautions to protect lives from COVID-19.
By giving Fitrana this year with Penny Appeal, you can ensure that someone in the world who would have gone hungry another night as we break fast at Eid al-Fitr has a warm nutritious meal, to celebrate Eid as they should.
You can pay your Fitrana online for the love of Allah (swt) here, or call us on 03000 11 11 11 now!
Every donation made will go a long way to changing people’s lives!
What is the difference between Zakat and Zakat ul-Fitr?
The first difference between Zakat and Zakat ul Fitr is eligibility. All Muslims, who have enough food for a day, must pay Zakat ul Fitr – ortherwise known as Fitrana – regardless of their age or financial status.
However, Zakat is given only if a Muslim has the Nisab level.
The second difference lies in the amount due. The amount attributed to Zakat al Fitr is very small and rarely exceeds £5. It is the same amount for all, regardless of financial situation.
Zakat, however, can amount to a larger amount because it equivalates to 2.5% of all net savings, and varies from person to person.
The third and final difference lies in their due dates. Zakat can be paid at any time, with the only condition being that the earnings reflect one year’s worth of net savings (one lunar year).
Zakat ul Fitr, however, is paid during Ramadan before the month ends. It needs to be paid before the Eid prayers at the very latest. This is a very specific time frame that all Muslims must abide by.
Conclusion
If Muslims can go a whole month without food, drink, and bad actions during daylight hours, as well engaging in plenty of prayer, dhikr, and supplication… then a small contribution to those without food should come quite easily!
To ensure you have an accepted Ramadan, ensure to give your Fitrana amount in 2020 as soon as you can.
Knowing when to pay your Fitrana, the amount in 2020, how much is due if you’re a UK resident and its critical importance is required for every adult Muslim.
Be sure to spread the knowledge so others can benefit too!
To learn more about Penny Appeal, click here.
