Paying Fitrana from the UK, USA and Abroad: Zakat al-Fitr Made Simple

Fitrana — also called Zakat al-Fitr or Sadaqat al-Fitr — is the charity paid for each member of a household at the end of Ramadan, so that people in need can also celebrate Eid. Every year, families in Britain, America and elsewhere search for the Fitrana UK or US amount and ask whether they can send it to Pakistan. This guide explains how Fitrana works and how to send it in good time.

It is general guidance. Follow the ruling of a scholar or mosque you trust.

Who pays Fitrana, and for whom

Fitrana is paid by the head of the household for every member who depends on them — adults and children alike — provided the family has more than its basic needs on the day of Eid. Many families also pay for a baby born before Eid. It is due before the Eid prayer, and many scholars allow it to be paid earlier in Ramadan.

How the amount per person is set

Fitrana was originally a measure of a staple food — wheat, barley, dates or raisins. Today, mosques and scholars in each country publish a cash amount per person based on the local price of that food. That is why the UK, US and Pakistani amounts differ, and why they change each year. Use the amount announced by your local mosque or a scholar you trust; PHWO does not set Fitrana amounts.

Sending Fitrana to Pakistan in time

Many scholars allow Fitrana to be sent to another country, especially to relatives or to people in greater need. The key is timing: it should reach people before Eid prayer. International bank transfers can take several working days, and banks close for holidays, so send Fitrana early in Ramadan rather than in the last days. To give through PHWO, choose Sadaqah or Zakat on the Donate page as appropriate, mention Fitrana in your note, and send your bank transfer to the details shown there.

Keeping it simple for the family

Some families send Fitrana for everyone in one transfer, with a note listing how many people it covers. Others ask a relative in Pakistan to pay it locally from a Pakistani bank account. Either way, keep the confirmation. Our guide to Ramadan giving to Pakistan covers the rest of the month.

Keep reading

Giving from a particular city? See Fitrana from Manchester or Fitrana from Houston, or browse every city and guide on the donate-from-abroad hub. Ways to give explains goods, equipment, waqf and legacies.

Families in Pakistan who need support can use Request Help, and PHWO also runs Free Online Classes, which needs volunteers and laptops. Before you give, read what PHWO publishes on transparency; when you are ready, choose your gift on the Donate page.

Frequently asked questions