Fitrah (also spelled Fitra or Fitrana) is the obligatory charity paid before Eid al-Fitr. This complete guide covers the 2026 amount, who must pay, calculation for families, and the deadline for this essential Ramadan obligation.
2026 Amount
£5 per person minimum. Pay for every member of your household including children and dependents.
Purpose
Purifies your fast from shortcomings and ensures the poor can celebrate Eid with food and dignity.
Deadline
Before Eid prayer on Friday, 20th March 2026. Pay early to ensure timely distribution to recipients.
What is Fitrah?
Fitrah is the Arabic term for Zakat al-Fitr—the obligatory charity that every Muslim must pay at the end of Ramadan before the Eid prayer. The word "Fitrah" relates to the natural disposition (fitra) that is purified through this act of worship.
The Prophet Muhammad ﷺ made Fitrah obligatory as reported by Ibn Umar (RA): "The Messenger of Allah ﷺ made Zakat al-Fitr obligatory as a sa' of dates or a sa' of barley upon every Muslim, slave or free, male or female, young or old." (Bukhari and Muslim)
Fitrah 2026: Amount Per Person
Standard Amount: £5 per person
Recommended: £7 per person
The amount is based on one sa' of staple food (approximately 2.5-3kg of wheat, barley, dates, or rice). The monetary equivalent ensures recipients receive appropriate food.
Calculate Your Family's Fitrah
Household Size
At £5
At £7
1 person
£5
£7
2 people
£10
£14
3 people
£15
£21
4 people
£20
£28
5 people
£25
£35
6 people
£30
£42
Who Must Pay Fitrah?
Every Muslim who has food exceeding their needs for Eid day must pay Fitrah. The head of household pays for:
Themselves
Spouse
All children (including newborns)
Dependent parents
Anyone under their financial care
The Dual Purpose of Fitrah
Ibn Abbas (RA) explained: "The Prophet ﷺ ordained Zakat al-Fitr as a purification for the fasting person from idle talk and obscenity, and as food for the poor." (Abu Dawud)
1. Purification of Your Fast
Fitrah cleanses your Ramadan fast from minor shortcomings—careless words, moments of impatience, or lapses in focus.
2. Feeding the Poor on Eid
Fitrah ensures everyone can celebrate Eid with dignity. The Prophet ﷺ said: "Enrich them on this day."
Deadline: Before Eid prayer on Friday, 20th March 2026
If paid after Eid prayer, the payment becomes regular charity (sadaqah)—not the obligatory Fitrah.
Recommended Timing:
Best: 1-2 days before Eid (18th-19th March)
Acceptable: Any time during Ramadan
Too late: After Eid prayer begins
Fitrah vs Other Islamic Obligations
Type
Fitrah
Zakat al-Maal
Who pays?
Every Muslim with food beyond needs
Those with wealth above Nisab
Amount
Fixed: £5-£7 per person
2.5% of total wealth
When?
Before Eid al-Fitr prayer
Annually on your Zakat date
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Paying after Eid prayer – This misses the deadline
Forgetting dependents – Count every person including newborns
Delaying until Eid morning – Risk missing the deadline; pay early
Thinking children are exempt – Parents pay for all children
Your Fitrah Makes a Difference
When you pay Fitrah through ChildRelief, your payment provides essential food to families in Gaza, Yemen, Sudan, and beyond. For children who face hunger every day, your Fitrah brings the joy of Eid.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much is Fitrah 2026?
Fitrah for 2026 is £5 per person minimum (£7 recommended). Pay for yourself and all dependents. A family of 4 pays £20-£28.
When must Fitrah be paid?
Before Eid prayer on Friday, 20th March 2026. Best to pay 1-2 days early for proper distribution.
Is Fitrah the same as Fitrana?
Yes. Fitrah, Fitrana, Fitra, and Zakat al-Fitr are all names for the same obligatory charity before Eid.
Do I pay Fitrah for children?
Yes, parents pay Fitrah for all children including newborn babies born before sunset on the last day of Ramadan.
What if I pay Fitrah after Eid prayer?
It counts as regular charity (sadaqah) not the obligatory Fitrah. Pay before Eid prayer to fulfil the obligation.
Who receives Fitrah?
Fitrah goes to the poor and needy (fuqara and masakin) to ensure they can celebrate Eid with food.
Pay Your Fitrah Today
Don't miss the deadline. Your Fitrah brings Eid joy to families who have nothing. 100% of your donation goes to programmatic costs to supercharge helping those in need. We're ALL in. 100%.
