Zakat al-Fitrah
Fitrah, also known as Sadaqat-ul-Fitr, Zakat Al-Fitr, or commonly referred to as Fitrana, is an obligatory form of charity in Islam intended to provide financial and material support to those in need. It is a mandatory act for every Muslim who possesses wealth beyond their basic needs. Fitrah serves as a means of purifying one’s fasts during the month of Ramadan and ensuring that the less fortunate can also partake in the joy of Eid-ul-Fitr.
Fitrah is generally paid before the Eid-ul-Fitr prayer, and its minimum amount per person is announced before Ramadan. All Muslims are encouraged to fulfill this obligation, as it represents compassion, social responsibility, and care for the disadvantaged. The amount of Fitrah is calculated based on the value of essential items such as food, clothing, and shelter. If a person is unable to pay Fitrah before the Eid prayer, it should be paid as soon as possible afterward.
Rate of Fitrana Per Person (Pakistan)
The Fitrana rate per person is determined annually based on staple food items such as wheat, dates, raisins, or barley. In Pakistan, the estimated Fitrana amount is generally PKR 170–200 per person or more, depending on personal financial capacity and prevailing economic conditions. The official rate is announced by the Central Ruet-e-Hilal Committee at the beginning of Ramadan.
Islam strongly encourages those who are financially capable to give generously, ensuring that deserving individuals and families can celebrate Eid with dignity.
How to Pay Your Fitra?
Fitrah can be given in cash or in kind. The standard measure is approximately 2.5 kilograms of staple food per person, or its equivalent value in money. It may also be given in the form of food items, clothing, or other basic necessities.
Human Shelter Foundation facilitates the proper and timely distribution of Fitrana, ensuring that your contribution reaches genuinely deserving individuals and families before Eid, in accordance with Islamic principles.
Fitrana – A Spiritual Gift for Muslims
Beyond its financial aspect, Zakat Al-Fitr is a deeply spiritual practice. It cultivates gratitude, empathy, and social unity by reminding Muslims of their blessings and responsibilities toward others. Giving Fitrah purifies one’s wealth, completes the fast of Ramadan, and serves as a means of seeking forgiveness for shortcomings committed during the year.
Some Muslims also contribute through volunteering their time or services to charitable causes. Overall, Fitrah strengthens social bonds, promotes justice, and reinforces the Islamic values of compassion, generosity, and community welfare.