In a recent announcement, the Chairman of the Shariah Board Pakistan, Sheikh Al-Hadith Professor Dr Mufti Muhammad Zafar Iqbal Jalali, has established the minimum Fitrana amount for Ramadan 2024 at Rs300 per person. This mandatory charitable donation, known as Sadaqah-e-Fitr or Fitrana, is a fundamental obligation for Muslims during the holy month of Ramadan.
Dr Jalali emphasized the significance of philanthropy and urged affluent individuals to contribute Fitrana according to their financial capacity. The Fitrana values have been set at Rs600 for oats, Rs2,400 for dates, and Rs4,400 for raisins, providing flexibility for donors based on their preferences.
Additionally, Dr Jalali outlined the Fidya rates for those unable to fast due to chronic illness, with amounts ranging from Rs9,000 for wheat flour to Rs132,000 for raisins if fasting the entire month of Ramadan is not possible. However, he clarified that Fidya cannot substitute for abstaining from fasting, and individuals who are temporarily unable to fast must make up for missed fasts.
The Ministry of Poverty Alleviation and Social Security has also fixed the minimum amount for Zakat at Rs135,179 for the year 2024. Zakat is applicable to savings or profit and loss sharing accounts with balances equal to or exceeding this threshold, with a 2.5% Zakat levy on the total amount in the account for eligible customers.
This announcement ensures clarity and guidance for Muslims in Pakistan regarding their charitable obligations during Ramadan, highlighting the importance of generosity and financial responsibility within the community.
