One of the most significant acts of worship for the Muslim Ummah at the end of Ramadan is Sadaqat al-Fitr (Fitrah). It is a mandatory charity given towards the end of Ramadan and distributed among the poor and needy before Eid. The primary objective of Fitrah is to include underprivileged individuals in the joy of Eid and foster a sense of equality within Muslim society.

For the year 1446 Hijri (2025 AD), the minimum Fitrah amount in Bangladesh has been set at Tk110, while the maximum is Tk2,805. Last year, the minimum was Tk115, and the maximum was Tk2,970. These amounts are determined based on the market prices of wheat, flour, barley, dates, raisins, and cheese. According to Islamic teachings, one can pay Fitrah either in the form of these specific food items or their equivalent monetary value, based on one's financial capacity.

Importance of Fitrah and Islamic Teachings

The Holy Quran and Hadith provide clear guidance on the obligation of Fitrah.

1. Quranic Guidance on Charity:

Allah says: "Establish prayer and give zakat. Whatever good you send forth for yourselves, you will find it with Allah." (Surah Al-Baqarah: 110)

Although this verse does not explicitly mention Fitrah, Islamic scholars have explained that the commandments regarding Zakat and Fitrah are interconnected.

2. Hadith on the Obligation of Fitrah:

The Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) said: "Ibn Umar (RA) reported that the Messenger of Allah (PBUH) made Sadaqat al-Fitr obligatory: one Sa' (approximately 2.5 kg) of dates or barley for every Muslim, whether slave or free, male or female, young or old." (Bukhari: 1503, Muslim: 984)

In another Hadith, Abdullah Ibn Abbas (RA) said: “The Messenger of Allah (PBUH) made Sadaqat al-Fitr obligatory to purify the fasting person from any indecent act or speech and to provide food for the needy." (Abu Dawood: 1609)

These Hadiths clarify that Fitrah is a vital Islamic obligation and serves as a means to complete one's fasting.

Fitrah Amount and Its Calculation

The standard measure of Fitrah is one Sa' of food grains, equivalent to approximately 2.5-3 kg. In Bangladesh, the 2025 Fitrah rates are determined based on the following food items:

Rules for Giving Fitrah and Eligible Recipients

1. Who Should Pay Fitrah?

Every Muslim who possesses surplus wealth beyond their basic needs must pay Fitrah. A father is responsible for paying Fitrah on behalf of his minor children.

However, the head of the household may pay Fitrah on behalf of financially dependent family members.

2. Who Can Receive Fitrah?

According to Islamic teachings, Fitrah can be given to:

• The poor and needy;
• The destitute (extremely deprived individuals);
• Those eligible to receive Zakat;
• Stranded travelers in need;
• Debtors who are unable to repay their debts.

The Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) said:

"Fitrah is meant to provide food for the poor." (Sunan Abu Dawood)

It is preferable to distribute Fitrah among relatives, neighbors, and genuinely needy individuals in the community.

Proper Time and Method for Giving Fitrah

The best time to give Fitrah is before the Eid prayer. It can also be given a few days before Eid, especially during the last days of Ramadan.

If Fitrah is given after the Eid prayer, it will be counted as general charity, not as Sadaqat al-Fitr.

Social Benefits of Fitrah

Fitrah plays a crucial role in ensuring economic balance and wealth distribution in society. Its key benefits include:

• Allowing the poor and underprivileged to celebrate Eid;
• Promoting a sense of equality and social harmony;
• Reducing the gap between the rich and the poor and fostering empathy among people.

The Need for Fitrah in Today's Context

Due to ongoing global economic challenges, poverty has increased significantly. In Bangladesh, rising food prices have made it difficult for many families to afford basic necessities. In such circumstances, Fitrah can serve as an essential form of support for struggling individuals.

Our Responsibilities Regarding Fitrah

As Muslims, we should:

• Pay Fitrah on time;
• Ensure it reaches the truly needy;
• Follow Islamic guidelines in distributing Fitrah to maximize its benefit.

Fitrah is not just a charity; it is a crucial Islamic duty that completes our fasting and establishes justice in society. It supports the poor and spreads the joy of Eid to everyone. Therefore, we should fulfill this obligation with sincerity and uphold the humanitarian and egalitarian principles of Islam.

May Allah grant us the ability to give Fitrah properly and earn His blessings. Ameen.

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The writer is the Public Relations Officer, Islamic Foundation. Email: [email protected]