Zakat ul Fitr (Fitrana)

It is incumbent on every Muslim who possesses one saa’* of food which is not needed as a basic necessity for themselves self or their family for the duration of one day and night.

*The quantity is described by Prophet (PBUH) as one saa’ of food. One saa’ is equivalent to four madd.  A madd is the amount that can be scooped up when one puts their hands together.

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

“The Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) ordained Zakat ul Fitr 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]

Fitrana (Zakat ul Fitr) must be paid within the month of Ramadan. The latest it can be paid is before the Eid prayer begins so that those in need can benefit in time for Eid.

Ibn Abbas narrates:

“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]

It is compulsory for every member of a household including children and babies to pay Zakat ul Fitr (Fitrana). However, parents/guardians may pay on behalf of their children/dependents.

The majority of scholars hold the opinion that only the first two categories of the recipients of Zakat can receive Fitrana.

One of the conditions of Fitrana (Zakat ul Fitr) is that it must be paid before the Eid prayer. However, if paid after it will be treated as Sadaqah, therefore the reward will be lesser.

An agent is someone who facilitates your paying of Fitrana (Zakat ul Fitr) because they are better placed to distribute it. You can pay them in currency because it is as if you are asking them to pay on your behalf. We use that money to buy the food which we give to the appropriate recipients, therefore, it is as if you are the one giving food rather than currency.

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