Fitrana is an obligatory charity given by Muslims at the end of Ramadan, before Eid al-Fitr. The amount of Fitrana is usually equivalent to the price of one meal, and it is meant to help the poor and needy to celebrate Eid with joy and happiness.
In Quran:
The concept of Fitrana is rooted in the teachings of the Quran and Hadith, which emphasize the importance of charity and caring for the poor and needy.
In the Quran, Allah says, “And establish prayer and give Zakat, and whatever good you put forward for yourselves – you will find it with Allah. Indeed, Allah of what you do, is Seeing” (Quran 2:110). This verse highlights the importance of giving Zakat, which is one of the five pillars of Islam and a form of mandatory charity.
In Hadith:
Similarly, in the Hadith, Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) emphasized the importance of charity and caring for the poor and needy. He said, “The best charity is that given in Ramadan” (Tirmidhi), and “Whoever gives food to a fasting person with which to break his fast, will have a reward equal to his, without it detracting in the slightest from the reward of the fasting person” (Tirmidhi).
The concept of Fitrana specifically is also mentioned in the Hadith. Ibn Abbas (may Allah be pleased with him) reported that Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) made it obligatory for Muslims to pay Fitrana at the end of Ramadan, as a purification for the fasting person from any indecent act or speech, and to provide food for the poor. (Abu Dawood)
How to Pay Fitrana
To pay Fitrana in Ramadan, you can follow these steps:
- Determine the amount of Fitrana: The recommended amount of Fitrana for 2023 (1444 AH) is $10 USD per person.
- Choose a reliable charity organization: Look for a reputable charity organization that is authorized to collect and distribute Fitrana on behalf of the community. You can ask your local mosque or Islamic center for recommendations.
- Make the payment: You can make the payment through various channels such as online transfer, direct deposit, or in-person at the charity organization’s office. Some charities also offer the option to pay Fitrana via text message or mobile app.
- Specify the intention: When making the payment, specify that the donation is for Fitrana, and mention the number of people in your household for whom you are paying Fitrana.
- Ensure timely payment: It is recommended to pay Fitrana before the Eid prayer on the day of Eid al-Fitr. However, you can pay Fitrana any time during the last few days of Ramadan.
Remember that Fitrana is an obligation for all Muslims who can afford it, and it is a means of purifying one’s wealth and earning reward from Allah.
Why We Need to Pay at the End of Ramadan:
Fitrana is an obligatory charity that must be paid by every Muslim who is able to do so before the Eid prayer on the day of Eid al-Fitr. The reason for paying Fitrana before Eid is to ensure that the poor and needy have enough time to use the donation to prepare for the celebrations of Eid.
Eid al-Fitr is a festive occasion that marks the end of Ramadan, and it is a time when Muslims come together to celebrate with their families and communities. Fitrana is meant to enable the poor and needy to also participate in the celebrations and enjoy the day with their families.
By paying Fitrana before Eid, we ensure that the charity reaches the beneficiaries in time for the celebration. This also helps to ensure that the poor and needy can purchase food, clothes, and other necessary items for Eid.
Additionally, paying Fitrana before Eid helps to fulfill the obligation of the charity before the end of Ramadan. Muslims are encouraged to perform good deeds throughout the month of Ramadan, and paying Fitrana is one of those deeds. By paying it before Eid, we fulfill this obligation and earn the reward from Allah for our good deeds.