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.

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

“The Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) ordained Zakat al Fitr [Fitrana] 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]

The quantity is described by the Prophet (PBUH) as 1 saa’ of food and 1 saa is equivalent to 4 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, it is approximately $10. Therefore the amount due for each person is $10.