The Amount for Zakat al-Fitr for 2020 Has Been Announced! With only a few days remaining until the start of Ramadan 2020, the Presidency of Religious Affairs (Diyanet) has released an important announcement. The amount of zakat al-Fitr (fitre) to be given for Ramadan 2020 has been determined. Zakat al-Fitr is a form of obligatory charity for Muslims who have reached Eid al-Fitr and possess more than basic necessities; it is given on behalf of themselves and those they are financially responsible for. For 2020, the High Council of Religious Affairs under the Presidency of Religious Affairs has set the amount of fitre per person according to household size. As Ramadan approaches, those who are able are expected to give fitre to those in need.
During Ramadan, another duty to fulfill is giving zakat al-Fitr. Zakat al-Fitr is a prescribed, measured form of charity in Islam that wealthy individuals are required to give to the poor during Ramadan. There are also conditions about who should receive fitre and who should pay it on behalf of others.
The Presidency of Religious Affairs’ High Council announced the 2020 fitre amount as 27 TL. This figure was determined by considering that zakat al-Fitr is given by nearly all Muslim households, current socio-economic conditions, and the estimated daily minimum food needs of one person. Accordingly, it was decided that the amount for the period starting from the beginning of Ramadan 2020 until the beginning of Ramadan 2021 will be 27 TL per person.
How Is Zakat al-Fitr Calculated and Given for 2020?
How is the 2020 fitre calculated and given? The fitre amount is always set to cover approximately one day’s food requirements for a person. Those who cannot fast due to health reasons must pay one day’s fitre for each day they are unable to fast. Fitre may be given to relatives such as a daughter-in-law, son-in-law, mother-in-law, father-in-law, stepchild or similar dependents when they meet the criteria for need. Giving fitre to relatives like an aunt, uncle or cousin is considered particularly meritorious.
Zakat is not given to those who are wealthy or able to perform rites like sacrificing an animal; such people do not receive fitre. Additionally, fitre should not be given to one’s parents, grandparents, grandchildren, children, or spouse. Non-Muslims are also not eligible to receive fitre.