What is Fitra?

Fitra , also known as “ Sadakat-ul-Fitr ,” is an obligatory form of charity that every Muslim must perform before the Eid-ul-Fitr prayer (the festive prayer at the end of Ramadan). It is intended to show gratitude for the blessings of the month of fasting and to ensure that poor and vulnerable people can also participate in the Eid al-Fitr festival. Fitra is often given in the form of basic food items or a sum of money.

A Geste of Charity and Solidarity

Fitra ( sadaqa al- fitr ) is a special form of zakat that every Muslim is required to pay to the underprivileged during the month of Ramadan . With your contributions to the Fitra campaign, we offer help to the poor, the needy, the oppressed, the victims and ( war ) refugees.

The term fitra is derived from the Arabic word fitrah ,” which means natural disposition or creation. It emphasizes the fundamental human responsibility to care for others.

Religious basis
The obligation of Fitrah is derived from statements of the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him), such as the following hadith :

“The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) made Sadakat-ul-Fitr obligatory as a purification for the fasting person (from minor faults) and as a provision for the poor.”
( Sunan Abu Dawood , Hadith 1609)

Fitra thus helps on the one hand to compensate for the spiritual shortcomings of the fasting person and on the other hand to promote solidarity within the community by supporting the poor and underprivileged.

How did Fitra come into being?
Fitrah became obligatory ( Wajib ) in the second year after the hijrah (migration to Madinah), around the same time that fasting in Ramadan was prescribed. The Prophet emphasized that Fitrah should be given before the Eid prayer so that no one would go hungry on this holiday.

Who is Fitra mandatory?
Fitrah is obligatory for every Muslim, whether male or female, adult or child, who is able to spare a minimum amount of property. The head of a family is responsible for paying Fitra for himself and his family members.

How much is Fitra ?
The amount is usually based on the price of basic foodstuffs, such as dates, wheat or rice. This is currently a minimum of 15 euros per person.

The importance of timely payment
The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) made it clear that Fitrah should be given before the Eid prayer . If it is given after the prayer, it no longer counts as Fitrah , but as a regular form of charity ( sadaqah ).

Social Impact of Fitrah
With the proceeds of Fitrah, underprivileged families can enjoy Eid al-Fitr without worrying about basic needs. This creates joy and ensures that everyone, regardless of their situation, can celebrate the festival in a dignified manner.

Your contribution through Stichting Sunrise will enable us to spread Fitra in the right places and support thousands of people during this blessed period.

Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) said, "Whoever fasts during Ramadan out of faith and hope of reward, his sins will be forgiven him." (Sahih al-Bukhari)

Fasting during the month of Ramadan became an obligatory (farz) form of worship for Muslims in the second year after migration (hijra) of Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) from Mecca to Medina. This was revealed in the following Qur'anic verse:

"O you who believe, fasting is prescribed for you, as it was prescribed for those before you, that you may fear (Allah)."
(Surah Al-Baqarah, 2:183)

From then on, fasting in the month of Ramadan became a fundamental part of the five pillars of Islam, in addition to profession of faith (shahada), prayer (salah), charity (zekaat) and pilgrimage (hajj).

In addition to fasting, Islam encourages extra charity during this very month. This is because the reward for good deeds is multiplied many times over during Ramadan. The Sunrise Foundation helps by providing concrete assistance to underprivileged families worldwide.