Sadaqatul Fitr: Who Must Pay It, To Whom, When, and How Much — In the Light of the Qur’an and Hadith
Sadaqatul Fitr, or Fitrah, is an important financial act of worship in Islam that is given at the end of the month of Ramadan. The word Sadaqah means charity, and Fitr means breaking the fast. The charity given to the poor and needy on the occasion of Eid al-Fitr after a month of fasting is called Sadaqatul Fitr.
It purifies the fasting person from shortcomings and mistakes during fasting and ensures that poor people can also share in the joy of Eid. After the acts of worship performed throughout Ramadan, Fitrah serves as an important means of compassion and social support within the Muslim community. Through this charity, the poor and needy are given the opportunity to participate in the celebration of Eid.
Why Fitrah Was Made Obligatory
Fitrah is a prescribed charity that has been made obligatory upon Muslims at the end of Ramadan. Through fasting, a servant completes a great act of worship, and the obligation of this charity serves to perfect that worship and assist the poor in society.
In this way, a balance is created between the spiritual worship of Ramadan and social responsibility. Sadaqatul Fitr is essentially a prescribed charity given to the poor at the completion of fasting, demonstrating mutual compassion and welfare within the Muslim community.
Allah says:
“Successful indeed is the one who purifies himself and remembers the name of his Lord and performs prayer.” — (Surah Al-A‘la, Verses 14–15)
The Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings be upon him) said:
“Sadaqatul Fitr is a purification for the fasting person from idle and obscene talk, and it is food for the poor.” — (Sunan Abu Dawud, Hadith: 1609)
Who Must Pay Fitrah
Fitrah is obligatory upon a Muslim who possesses wealth beyond his or her essential needs equal to the nisab threshold. This ruling applies to adult, sane Muslims.
Anyone who has wealth beyond their basic necessities is required to give Sadaqatul Fitr. In addition, Islamic jurisprudence discusses that a person may also give Fitrah on behalf of family members who are under their responsibility.
Who Can Receive Fitrah
The primary recipients of Fitrah are poor and needy people. Therefore, it should be given to those who are financially disadvantaged.
If there are relatives who are poor or financially struggling, giving Fitrah to them is considered better. In particular, siblings or other relatives who are in need may be given Fitrah.
In this way, giving Fitrah can fulfill two purposes at once: helping the poor and maintaining family ties.
The Time for Paying Fitrah
The time for giving Fitrah is connected with Eid al-Fitr. It is generally recommended to give Fitrah before Eid so that poor people can meet their needs on the day of Eid.
For this reason, Muslims are encouraged to pay Fitrah before Eid so that the needy can also take part in the joy of the celebration.
A hadith states:
The Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) instructed that Fitrah should be given before going out for the Eid prayer. — (Sahih Bukhari, Hadith: 1503)
Should Fitrah Be Given as Food or Money?
One commonly discussed issue regarding Fitrah is whether it must be given as food items or if it can be given in monetary form.
There is a difference of opinion among Islamic scholars and jurists on this matter. Some scholars believe Fitrah should be given in the specified food items, while others hold the view that it may also be given as money equivalent to the value of the food.
This difference of opinion exists within Islamic jurisprudence, and different schools of thought have varying interpretations on the matter.
Understanding the Amount of Fitrah
The amount of Fitrah is generally determined based on the measurement of specific food items. Scholars have discussed whether it should be given as the food itself or its monetary equivalent.
For the year 2026, the Islamic Foundation Bangladesh has determined the following Fitrah rates:
• Minimum Fitrah per person: 110 BDT • Maximum Fitrah per person: 2,805 BDT
According to Islamic law, Fitrah can be given using any of the following five food items: wheat or flour, barley, raisins, dates, and cheese.
Based on these items, the approximate amounts are:
• Wheat or flour: Half Sa (1.65 kg) — 110 BDT • Barley: One Sa (3.30 kg) — 595 BDT • Dates: One Sa (3.30 kg) — 2,475 BDT • Raisins: One Sa (3.30 kg) — 2,640 BDT • Cheese: One Sa (3.30 kg) — 2,805 BDT
It should be noted that Fitrah may be given using any of these food items or their equivalent market value.
In different countries, the monetary value of Fitrah is often determined based on the local price of staple foods so that it can be easily paid by people.
Overall, Sadaqatul Fitr represents an important example of charity, compassion, and social responsibility within the Muslim community at the end of Ramadan. Through this charity, the poor are supported and the joy of Eid is shared with everyone.
May Allah grant us all the ability to give Sadaqatul Fitr correctly and at the proper time. Ameen.