As Ramadan approaches its final days, Muslims worldwide prepare to fulfill their charitable obligations, including Fitrana and Fidya. These forms of charity hold significant religious importance, ensuring that those in need can also partake in the joys of Eid. But how much should one contribute this year? The council has provided detailed guidelines to help Muslims calculate their Fitrana and Fidya payments accurately.
Fitrana: A Mandatory Charity for Every Muslim
Fitrana, also known as Zakat al-Fitr, is an obligatory charity that must be given before the end of Ramadan. According to the council’s latest recommendations, the minimum Fitrana amount per person is Rs220, based on the price of wheat. However, those who wish to pay using other food products have different rates:
Dates – Rs1,650 per person
Raisins – Rs2,500 per person
Dried Apricots – Rs5,000 per person
Dr. Naeemi, a leading scholar, emphasized that Fitrana should be paid according to one’s financial ability. This contribution applies to all Muslims—male and female, young and old, free and enslaved—ensuring that everyone in need receives support before Eid celebrations begin.
Fidya: Compensation for Missed Fasts
Fidya is a form of charity given by those who are unable to fast due to valid reasons, such as chronic illness or old age. The Fidya amount varies based on the food item chosen:
Wheat – Rs6,600 for 30 missed fasts
Barley – Rs13,500 for 30 missed fasts
Dates – Rs49,500 for 30 missed fasts
Raisins – Rs75,000 for 30 missed fasts
Dried Apricots – Rs150,000 for 30 missed fasts
For those who rely on subsidized government wheat flour, a lower Fidya rate of Rs160 per person is applicable, making it more accessible for individuals with limited financial means.
Kaffara: The Penalty for Breaking a Fast Deliberately
Kaffara is a form of compensation required when a person intentionally breaks a fast without a valid excuse. The penalty is either:
Fasting for 60 consecutive days, or
Feeding 60 needy individuals with two meals each
This ruling ensures that those who break their fast without justification understand the gravity of their actions and make amends through an act of charity or extended fasting.
Why Paying Fitrana and Fidya Matters
Fitrana and Fidya are not just obligations but acts of kindness that strengthen the community. By ensuring that the underprivileged can celebrate Eid with dignity, these contributions foster unity, empathy, and social harmony.
As Ramadan draws to a close, let’s not forget our duty to give back. Whether paying Rs220 or choosing a higher amount based on dates, raisins, or dried apricots, every contribution counts in making Eid a joyous occasion for all.
