What is Fitrana and why you should give it?
The spirit of Ramadan is one of
empathy and love for your Muslim brothers and sisters. We spend an entire month
abstaining from food and drinks so that we can feel the pain of those Muslims
brethren who sometimes go days without these basic necessities.
The month of Ramadan culminates
in Eid-ul-Fitr – a celebration and reward for an entire month of patience and
brotherliness. For the poor and needy to be included in this celebration, each
Muslim is under an obligation to pay a certain amount in kind or in food, which
is known as Fitrana.
According
to an agreed upon hadith: “None of you will believe until you love for
your brother what you love for yourself.” (Bukhari: 13, Muslim: 5)
This hadith is a testament that in
addition to fulfilling certain obligations to Allah, a Muslim also has to cater
to his fellow brothers and sisters. This is why it is only a fair demand on
part of the wealthy, to expect them to set aside a certain amount for those who
are unable to afford the little things in life. Islam is a religion of inclusivity
and therefore, at this joyous occasion of Eid-ul-Fitr, it is important they
those who are not as blessed as the rest of us, should also be able to be a
part of this blissful occasion.
When to give
Fitrana?
Who should give Fitrana?
How much to pay?
Who deserves it?
Why should you pay Fitrana?
Who should give Fitrana?
How much to pay?
Who deserves it?
Why should you pay Fitrana?
The Prophet (peace be upon him) said, “When the people of Ash’ari tribe ran short of food during the holy battles, or the food of their families in Medina ran short, they would collect all their remaining food in one sheet and then distribute it among themselves equally by measuring it with a bowl. So, these people are from me, and I am from them”. (Bukhari 3:44:666)
The payment of Fitrana becomes
obligatory after the sunset on the evening of the last fast of Ramadan. Once
the moon of Shawwal is sighted, each person who is
obliged to pay Fitrana, must pay it forward, before the Eid day. And also it is allowed to be payed before that, like a week before, 10 days, 7 days, 3 days and so on.
People who have reached puberty, are
sane, not needy and poor should pay Fitrana. If a family has one breadwinner
and 6 dependents, he should pay for each one of his dependents.
Each year there is a set amount that
needs to be given, it fluctuates due to the changing socio-economic conditions.
Fitrana is measured as three and a half kilogram of wheat, barley, rice or any
staple edible item for each person. If you don’t want to pay in terms of food,
one can also pay in cash. The amount of money is settled through a conversion
of the three and a half kilos of food into money.
One can distribute money to the
deserving people and the preference for Fitrana should be as follows:
relatives, poor neighbors, the needy in general and the collectors of Zakat.
Keep in mind that non-Muslims are not deserving of Fitrana and one should be
weary of who they are giving to.
In the spirit of inclusivity and
sharing, one should pay Fitrana to the deserving parties.
According to a
hadith narrated by Abu Musa:
If during
times of need each Muslim is expected to help fellow Muslims out, one should
also remember to include these brethren in times of joy. It is solely for this
reason that one should never forget to pay Fitrana. Even a little bit can make
a difference in the lives of others.
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