Acts of kindness and giving are an immensely important part of Islam
During the holy month of Ramadan, sharing with others less fortunate than ourselves becomes even more important. As well as helping others, voluntary giving also benefits the donor by reminding them to think of their Muslim brothers and sisters during the holy month, and throughout the year.
Many Muslims choose to pay Zakat during Ramadan, which is a ritual of making a donation based on your personal income, savings, and belongings once it goes past a certain threshold. Zakat al-Fitr (also known as Fitrana), however, does not depend on financial status. It is a fixed per-person obligation paid at the end of Ramadan so that everyone — including the poor — can celebrate Eid with dignity.
Zakat al-Fitr 2026 — £5 per person (UK minimum)
The current UK consensus (UKIM, Barakah Trust, NZF, Penny Appeal and others) is £5 per person minimum for Fitrana in 2026. Some scholars recommend up to £7 per person to reflect the true cost of a staple food meal. The head of the household typically pays on behalf of everyone in the household, including children, dependants and elderly relatives.
Fitrana must reach the recipients before the Eid al-Fitr prayer. For Eid al-Fitr 2027, this falls around mid-March 2027 depending on moon sighting. Paying early in Ramadan ensures HNCO has time to purchase and distribute staple food to verified families in need.
How to calculate Fitrana for your household
Count every Muslim in your home — adults, children, and even newborns born before sunset on the last day of Ramadan. Multiply by £5 (or £7 if you follow the higher figure).
- Single adult: 1 × £5 = £5
- Couple: 2 × £5 = £10
- Family of 4: 4 × £5 = £20
- Family of 6: 6 × £5 = £30
- Extended household (10 people): 10 × £5 = £50
Use the donation widget on this page to select the exact amount for your household. Every penny goes directly to food for families in need — HNCO covers administration separately.
The scholarly basis of Fitrana
Fitrana is rooted in the Sunnah of the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him). Ibn Umar narrated that the Messenger of Allah made Zakat al-Fitr obligatory: one sa'a of dates, or one sa'a of barley, on every Muslim — slave or free, male or female, young or old. [Bukhari & Muslim]
One sa'a is a volumetric measure equivalent to approximately 2.5–3 kilograms of staple food such as wheat, rice, dates, or barley. In modern practice, Islamic organisations convert this into a cash equivalent based on local food prices. The £5 figure used by UK charities in 2026 represents the cash value of roughly 2.5kg of staple grain at current UK market rates.
Fitrana is obligatory on every Muslim regardless of wealth. Even those who are poor and eligible to receive Zakat must pay Fitrana — though it can be paid on their behalf by the head of the household. It is separate from the annual 2.5% Zakat on wealth, and is paid once per lunar year at the end of Ramadan.
How HNCO distributes your Fitrana
HNCO operates a 100% donation policy on Fitrana. Every penny of your contribution is converted into staple food and distributed to verified families in Pakistan, Bangladesh, Yemen and other communities we serve. Our local partners purchase rice, flour, dates and cooking oil in bulk and deliver them before Eid prayer. Administration is covered by separate fundraising, so your full Fitrana reaches those who need it.
Frequently asked questions
Can I pay Fitrana in advance?
Yes. Scholars agree that Fitrana can be paid at any time during Ramadan. Paying early is recommended because it gives charities time to purchase and distribute food before the Eid prayer. Many UK Muslims set up their Fitrana donation in the first week of Ramadan.
Does Fitrana apply to children and newborns?
Yes. Fitrana is obligatory on every Muslim, including babies and children. The head of the household pays on their behalf. If a baby is born before sunset on the last day of Ramadan, Fitrana is due for them. If born after sunset, it is not due for that year.
What if I forget to pay Fitrana before Eid prayer?
The obligation remains even if missed. If you forgot or were unable to pay before the Eid prayer, you should pay it as soon as possible after Eid. The intention should be to discharge the obligation for that year. HNCO accepts late Fitrana donations and uses them for ongoing food relief programmes.
Is Fitrana the same as Zakat?
No — they are separate obligations. Zakat is 2.5% of qualifying wealth held for a full lunar year, and is only due on those above the Nisab threshold. Fitrana is a fixed per-person amount paid at the end of Ramadan by every Muslim regardless of wealth. You may owe both in the same year.
Can I pay Fitrana for someone outside my household?
Yes. You may pay Fitrana on behalf of relatives, friends, or even strangers who cannot afford to pay themselves. The key is that every Muslim has the obligation covered. You cannot use your own Fitrana to discharge someone else's obligation unless you explicitly intend it for them.
What happens to my donation after Eid?
HNCO's policy is to distribute all Fitrana before the Eid prayer. Any donations received after this deadline are directed to our emergency food relief programmes serving the same communities, ensuring your contribution still reaches those in need.