The Importance of Sadaqah and Fitrah:
Who Should Give, How Is It Calculated?
The month of Ramadan is a special period in which sharing and cooperation come to the fore as well as spiritual peace. Among the acts of worship performed in this month, almsgiving and fitrah (charity of alms) are of great importance. So, what is sadaqa and fitrah, who should give it and how is it calculated? Here is what you need to know about this...
What is Sadaqah and Fitrah?
- Sadaqah refers to any kind of material or spiritual help given for the sake of Allah. Like zakat, it does not have a specific rate and everyone can give sadaqah according to their budget.
- Fitrah (Sadaqah al-Fitr): This is also called fıtrat alms. Fıtrat (creation) alms means a gift of creation, a gift given for good deeds. It is an obligatory act of worship that must be given to those who have the nisab, in an amount sufficient to meet the basic food needs of one person during this month. Fitrah is given so that a person can enter Eid al-Fitr clean and so that those in need can share in the joy of Eid.
The Importance of Sadaqah and Fitrah
Since the month of Ramadan is a month of solidarity and sharing, alms and fitrah worship during this period increases individual and social solidarity. Some of the benefits of giving alms and fitrah are as follows:
✅ Spiritual Purification: If unknowingly haram is mixed in the goods, it is instrumental in cleansing and blessing them and is an atonement for sins.
✅ Social Solidarity: By supporting those in need, it helps to improve their living standards.
✅ Actingin the Spirit of Ram adan: Sharing and helping others is one of the most important values of this blessed month.
Who Should Give Fitrah?
According to Islam, every Muslim who has the financial means to meet his basic needs is obliged to give fitrah for himself and his dependents.
- Those who do not have enough wealth to pay zakat can also give fitrah.
- Fitrah does not have to be given for parents, spouse and children.
- Anyone who has more than their debts and basic needs should give fitrah.
How is Fitrah Calculated? How much is 2025 Fitrah?
The amount of Fitrah should be enough to cover the basic food needs of one person. For the year 2025, it has been determined as 180 TL.
- Fitrah is calculated to be equivalent to a person's average daily food costs.
- Fitrah must be given during Ramadan or before Eid.
To whom are alms and Fitrah given?
Sadaqah and Fitrah can be given to the following eight groups mentioned in the Holy Quran:
- The poor - People who do not have enough to live on.
- Miskin - People who have no property or income.
- Debtors - Those who are unable to pay their debts.
- Stranded Travelers - Those who have been victimized while traveling.
- Those who lost their freedom - Those who were captured or enslaved (today considered prisoners in debt).
- The Way of Allah - Those who work for the spread of Islam.
- Zakat Officers - People in charge of distributing zakat and fitrah.
- New Muslims - People who need to be supported to learn more about their religion.
Fitrah and sadaqah are not given to parents, grandparents, grandchildren, spouses and rich people.
