Zakat Al-Fitr

We give thanks to Allah (SWT) by donating Zakat-ul-Fitr, or Fitrana, to those who are most in need and without food. This act shows our undying gratitude to Allah (SWT) and for all that He has done for us.

This kind donation allows those less fortunate to join in the Eid festivities, which should be shared with everyone including family, friends and your Muslim brothers and sisters.

Sadly, there are many who find themselves in the unfortunate position of not having wealth or food to their name, and for this reason, Allah (SWT) encourages us to share what we have with our brothers and sisters. The Muslim community is built upon such values and even when we celebrate Eid, we should not forget the daily struggles of others.

Donating your Fitrana payment to The Islamic Society of Boston Cultural Center will help us to distribute food to those most in need, ensuring that they, too, have a blessed Eid.


The Prophet (PBUH) enjoined the payment of one Sa' of dates or one Sa' of barley as Zakat-ul-Fitr on every Muslim slave or free, male or female, young or old, and he ordered that it be paid before the people went out to offer the Eid prayer." (One Sa' = 6+ lbs approx.)

- (Bukhari)


What is Zakat-ul-Fitr (Fitrana)?

Zakat-ul-Fitr (Fitrana) is a compulsory act of charity that Muslims must pay at the end of Ramadan. The purpose of this payment is to allow those in poverty to take part in Eid-ul-Fitr celebrations. Zakat-ul-Fitr is often mistaken for Zakat al-Mal, especially by those new to the Muslim community, but they are two completely different payments.

Zakat al-Mal, often referred to simply as “Zakat” although Fitrana is also a type of Zakat, is an obligatory payment that should be made once a Muslim’s personal wealth exceeds the nisab threshold. Zakat-ul-Fitr, however, should be paid by all Muslims during the month of Ramadan.


When Should You Pay Zakat-ul-Fitra?

Zakat-ul-Fitr must be paid before Eid prayers commence to allow it to reach those who need it in time. The exact time depends on the moon sighting as Eid celebrations are directly tied to the lunar month. In 2022, we aim to distribute Fitrana payments before the Eid day.

Fitrana can be paid at any point during Ramadan, although many Muslims choose to make this obligatory payment on the 27th night of the month, which many believe to be the most likely time of Laylat al-Qadr (the Night of Power). The reason why Muslims strive to donate in Laylat al-Qadr is that it is considered to be better than a thousand months, bringing multiplied rewards and blessings to the person donating. Any of the odd-numbered nights in the last 10 could be the Night of Power due to the existence of authentic sayings of the Prophet (PBUH) which support this notion.

Therefore, Islamic Society of Boston allows our supporters to spread their donation across the last 10 nights of Ramadan, ensuring that you will receive the multiplied rewards and blessings that come with making your payment on the Night of Power.


Who Should Pay Zakat-ul-Fitr?

Every Muslim must pay Zakat-ul-Fitr, regardless of age, if they have food in their possession which is in excess of their own needs. The head of the household may make the family’s payment on behalf of their dependents, but a contribution must be made by or for each member of the home. This means that if you are unable to make the payment yourself for whatever reason, you can ask the head of your household (assuming this is not yourself) to pay your Fitrana.


Who Receives Zakat-ul-Fitr?

Fitrana is for the poorest people, who are struggling every day to feed themselves and their family. ISB uses your Fitrana donations to distribute food on your behalf amongst those most in need. This helps those living in even the most desperate of conditions to join in the Eid festivities.


How Much is Zakat-ul-Fitr 2022 in the US?

The Zakat-ul-Fitr amount is based upon the current price of staple foods such as rice or flour for a specified weight. Currently, this means Fitrana is equal to approximately $15 per person although this increases over time.

Donate to Zakat Al-Fitr

$15 Each family member

Quantity:

Total Amount: $15

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The Islamic Society of Boston Cultural Center | 100 Malcolm X Blvd., Roxbury MA, USA 02120 | Phone: 617-858-6114 | E-mail: office@isbcc.org