Zakat ul Fitr, also known as( Fitra), is a mandatory charitable donation made at the end of Ramadan. It purifies the fasting person and ensures everyone can celebrate Eid al-Fitr with joy.

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 dependents.

Ibn `Abbas (may Allah be pleased with him) reported:

“The Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) ordained Zakat ul Fitr [Fitra] to purify the fasting person from indecent words or actions, and to provide food for the needy. It is accepted as Zakat for the person who gives it before the Eid prayer; but it is a mere Sadaqah for the one who gives it after the prayer.” [Abu Dawud and Ibn Majah]

At the time of the Prophet (ﷺ) the quantity of food needed to be given as Fitra would be one saa’. This is equal to four madd.

A madd is the amount that can be scooped up when one puts their hands together.

If we translate the amount needed for Fitra into a monetary value based on the price of a staple food, such as flour or rice, it is approximately $15. Therefore, the amount due for each person is $15. 

Every self-supporting adult Muslim with enough food to sustain their family must contribute Zakat al Fitr. Unlike Zakat, it is a duty on everyone in your household. This includes providing for dependents like children and elderly parents. Therefore, the head of the household, or parents and guardians, can pay for other members of the family who are unable to pay.

Ideally, Zakat ul Fitr should be distributed before the Eid prayer. This allows those in need to prepare for the celebrations. It can still be given as charity after the prayer, but it won’t be considered Zakat ul Fitr anymore.

Eid al-Fitr marks the end of the blessed month of Ramadan. Zakat al-Fitr must be paid before the Eid prayer on this day.This year, Eid al-Fitr is expected to be celebrated on Wednesday, April 10, 2024. However, the exact date depends on the sighting of the moon for Shawwal, the 10th month of the Islamic Calendar.

 It is compulsory for every member of a household including children and babies to pay Zakat ul Fitr (Fitra).

The recipients of Zakat al Fitr (Fitra) are generally understood to be those eligible for Zakat:

Similar to Zakat Recipients: The majority of scholars hold the view that Fitra recipients are similar to the eight categories designated for Zakat distribution as outlined in the Quran 

These categories include:

• The poor (Fuqara)
• The needy (Masakin)
• Debtors (Gharimin)
• Wayfarers (Ibnus Sabil)
•  

For more information: https://www.zakat.org/the-eight-kinds-of-people-who-receive-zakat

Emphasis on the Needy:  The core purpose of Fitra is to ensure everyone has food to celebrate Eid al-Fitr. Therefore, priority is often given to those most in need within the Zakat recipient categories.

Rahma Worldwide acts as a trusted intermediary for fulfilling your Zakat al Fitr obligation. Their established network and expertise allow for efficient and appropriate distribution of your donation to those most deserving within your community.

Rahma Worldwide  understands that navigating the logistics of acquiring and distributing foodstuffs can be a challenge. By accepting Zakat al Fitr in currency, they provide a convenient and shariah-compliant alternative.

The funds you contribute are meticulously used to procure staple food items. Rahma then ensures these items reach the designated Zakat al Fitr recipients, effectively fulfilling your charitable responsibility.

Rahma prioritizes transparency throughout the process. You can be confident that your Zakat al Fitr reaches those in need, allowing you to directly contribute to a more inclusive Eid al-Fitr for all.

Yes you can, according to the Hanafi Madh-hab. The Shafi’i Madh-hab also follows follows this ruling.