What is Zakat al Fitr (Fitrana)?

Zakat al Fitr (also known as Fitrana) is an obligatory charitable donation of food to the poor and needy, that must be given at the end of Ramadan before the Eid prayer. Zakat al-Fitr must be given by every Muslim who has food in excess of their needs, and given by or on behalf of every member of the household.

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

The Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) ordained Zakat ul 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.

Hadith | Abu Dawud and Ibn Majah

The quantity is described by the Prophet (PBUH) as one saa’ of food, and one saa’ is equivalent to four 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 £5. Therefore the amount due for each person is £5.