Acts of kindness and non-profit organisation 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 benefit 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, however, does not depend on financial status and is a custom of providing a contribution towards a meal for someone who does not have enough to celebrate Eid by their own means.
Everyone - of all ages - in a Muslim household is required to practice Zakat al Fitr, but the head of the household can make a contribution on their behalf. The donation is usually calculated on the price of one meal or ‘enough to be scooped up in two hands’ and can be made at any time during Ramadan, as long as it is before the Eid celebrations, at the end of the fasting period. In modern times, a contribution of around £3-5 is considered appropriate.