Ramadan giving explained: Understanding Zakat, Zakat ul-Fitr, Fidya, and Kaffarah

Ramadan is a time of worship, reflection, and giving. For Muslims, it is also a month filled with opportunities to purify wealth, support those in need, and fulfil religious obligations through various forms of charity.

Understanding the different types of donations – Zakat, Zakat ul-Fitr, Fidya, and Kaffarah – ensures that contributions are made in the most meaningful and impactful way. Here’s a guide to these important forms of giving.

1. Zakat – The pillar of charity

Zakat is one of the Five Pillars of Islam, making it a fundamental obligation for every eligible Muslim. It is an annual contribution of 2.5% of one’s wealth to those in need.

• Who must give Zakat: 
  Adult Muslims who possess wealth above the Nisab threshold for a lunar year. The Nisab is based on the value of 87.48 grams of gold or 612.36 grams of silver. Use our Zakat Calculator to view today’s Nisab threshold.
• How to calculate Zakat:
  Add up all your assets, such as cash, gold, silver, investments, and business stock, subtract any debts or liabilities, and then work out 2.5% of that total. Use our Zakat Calculator to calculate your Zakat easily.

We have a detailed blog post explaining Zakat, how to calculate it, and who is eligible to receive it.

2. Zakat ul-Fitr – Charity to end the fast

Zakat ul-Fitr, or Fitrana, is a form of charity given before the end of Ramadan to ensure everyone can celebrate Eid with dignity. It purifies the fasting individual’s Ramadan efforts from any shortcomings.

• Who must give Zakat ul-Fitr:
  Every Muslim, regardless of age or income, must give Zakat ul-Fitr on behalf of themselves and their dependents.
• How much is Zakat ul-Fitr: 
  The amount is based on the cost of staple foods such as wheat, barley, or dates. For 2025, Zakat ul-Fitr is £5 per person. You MUST donate Zakat ul-Fitr before you perform your Eid salah. Donate your Zakat ul-Fitr here.

3. Fidya – Compensation for missed fasts

Fidya is a donation given when a person is unable to fast for valid reasons, such as illness, old age, or pregnancy, and cannot make up the fast later.

• Who must give Fidya: 
  Those who cannot fast during Ramadan and cannot make up for it later.
• How much is Fidya: 
  The cost of Fidya is equivalent to feeding a poor person two meals per missed fast. For Ramadan 2025, Fidya is set as £5 per day of missed fasts. You can donate your Fidya here.

4. Kaffarah – Making amends for missed fasts

Kaffarah applies when someone deliberately breaks or skips a fast in Ramadan without a valid reason. It involves fasting for 60 consecutive days or providing compensation by feeding 60 needy people for each missed fast.

• Who must give Kaffarah:
  Those who break a fast intentionally without a valid excuse.
• How much is Kaffarah:
  For Ramadan 2025, you must give £300 per missed fast, which is the cost of feeding 60 people. You can donate your Kaffarah here.

Giving during Ramadan: A pathway to blessings

Giving during Ramadan brings immense spiritual rewards. Whether through Zakat, Zakat ul-Fitr, Fidya, or Kaffarah, these donations ensure that the blessings of Ramadan extend to those in need. Each contribution purifies the giver’s soul, supports the community, and reinforces the spirit of solidarity that Ramadan inspires.

If you’re ready to give, visit our Zakat Calculator to calculate your Zakat or explore how you can impact through other donations this Ramadan.

Together, we can ensure that no one is left behind during this blessed month. May Allah accept your generosity and bless you abundantly.