What is Zakat al-Fitr (Fitrana)?

Zakat al-Fitr (also known as Fitrana) is a charitable donation of food that must be given before Eid prayer, before the end of the month of Ramadan, for the love of Allah. Zakat al-Fitr is compulsory upon every self-supporting adult Muslim who has food in excess of their needs, on behalf of themselves and their dependants.

Minimum Fitrah 2026

R31 or R84 – Maliki, Shafi’i and Hanbali, (based on the value of 1.75kg of flour) or R84 (based on the value of 3.5kg of Barley)

R30  – Hanafi

Sources:

Jamiatul Ulama South Africa – Council of Muslim Theologians

MJC (SA) | Muslim Judicial Council of South Africa

The below values are applicable for the 2026 period. 

The quantity is described by the Prophet (PBUH) as one saa’ of food, and one saa’ is equivalent to four madd. A madd is the amount that can be scooped up when one puts their hands together. If we translate this into a monetary value based on the price of a staple food such as flour or rice. For Hanafi it is approximately R30. For Shaf’i, Maliki and Hanbali, it is R31 (based on the value of 1.75kg of flour) or R84 (based on the value of 3.5kg of Barley. It is recommended to give the larger amount if one is able.

As Islamic Relief acts as a charitable agent, we can therefore be given the money to pay for the food beforehand which we will then spend where needed at the correct time to buy the food. As a result, this will be distributed among those people around the world that are in need.

As Islamic Relief acts as a charitable agent, we can therefore be given the money to pay for the food beforehand which we will then spend where needed at the correct time to buy the food. As a result, this will be distributed among those people around the world that are in need.

Who is it obligatory on to pay Zakat Fitrah (Zakat ul Fitr)?

Any Muslim who has food in excess of their needs must pay Zakat Fitrah (Zakat ul Fitr). Unlike Zakat, it is a duty on everyone in your household. Therefore, the head of the household, or parents and guardians, can pay on behalf of other members of the family.

What is Eid Fitr?

Fitr, sometimes referred to as Eid ul Fitr or Sadaqatul Fitr, is a charitable donation that must be given before the Eid al Fitr prayer. Therefore it must be given before the end of the month of Ramadan.

What is Sadaqatul Fitr?

Sadaqatul Fitr is an alternative name for Zakat ul Fitrah.