Islamabad: The minimum Sadaqah Fitrana and Fidya for fasting during Ramadan 2024 in Pakistan has been set at Rs 300 per person, equivalent to two kilograms of wheat flour. This announcement was made by Chairman of the Shariah Board Pakistan Sheikh Al-Hadith Professor Dr Mufti Muhammad Zafar Iqbal Jalali on Thursday.
The importance of philanthropists and affluent individuals contributing Sadaqah Fitr and Fidya according to their financial capacity was emphasized by Dr Jalali. The values for Sadaqah Fitr were set at Rs600 for oats, Rs2,400 for dates, and Rs4,400 for raisins.
For Fidya rates for fasting the entire month of Ramadan, the values are Rs9,000 for wheat flour, Rs18,000 for oats, Rs72,000 for dates, and Rs132,000 for raisins.
Dr Jalali clarified that Fidya for fasting is intended for individuals who are chronically ill or unable to fast with no prospect of recovery. Travelers and those temporarily unable to fast are obligated to make up for missed fasts, as Fidya cannot be a substitute for abstaining from fasting.
The minimum amount for Zakat was fixed at Rs135,179 by the Ministry of Poverty Alleviation and Social Security.
The Fidya amount needed to be paid for the 30 days with respect to wheat price is Rs 10,200; with respect to barley Rs28,800; with respect to dates Rs 9,6000; and with respect to raisins Rs168,000.
Sadaqatul-Fitr, also known as Zakatul-Fitr, is a small amount of food to be given in charity before Eid-ul-Fitr prayers. It is not advisable to pay after Eid prayer. However, if a person has failed to pay Fitrana at proper time, then he/she should pay it as soon as possible.
This amount is separate from the annual payment of Zakat, which is one of the pillars of Islam. Unlike Zakat, which is calculated annually as a percentage of extra wealth, the Sadaqat-ul-Fitr is to be paid equally by every Muslim man, woman and child.
Each individual Muslim, who has financial power is to give away this amount — man or woman, adult or child, sick or healthy, old or young. These are the minimum Fitrana and Sadaqah rates. Those who have been given abundance in sustenance by Allah, considering their financial status, can pay fitrana accordingly.
Islam obligates its followers to pay the required amount to the most deserving people including relatives or neighbours before offering the Eid prayers to ensure that monies donated are able to be distributed amongst those most in need in order for them to join in with Eid celebrations.
In conclusion, the minimum Fitrana and Fidya rates for fasting during Ramadan 2024 in Pakistan have been set at Rs 300 per person, with different values for different commodities. These rates are intended to help the poor and needy people in society, especially during the festive occasion of Eid-ul-Fitr.
