What is fitr charity (fitrah) and when is it given?

Fitr charity, commonly known as fitrah among the public (sadaka-i fıtır), is a charity that is obligatory (wajib) for a Muslim who is considered religiously wealthy and who reaches the end of Ramadan, as an expression of gratitude for being created as a human and for reaching Eid al-Fitr. It must be given to certain eligible recipients. (Nevevî, el-Mecmû’, 6/103-105) Its obligation is established by the Sunnah. (Bukhari, Zakat, 70-78 [1503-1512]; Muslim, Zakat, 12-21 [984-985])

A person is responsible for giving fitrah on behalf of themselves and their minor children. The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) stated that fitrah is required for every Muslim, whether slave or free, young or old, male or female. (Bukhari, Zakat, 70; [1503]; Abu Dawud, Zakat, 20 [1619])

The time when fitr charity becomes obligatory is the first day of Eid al-Fitr, but it can also be given before the festival. In fact, giving it earlier is considered more virtuous. It is recommended (mustahabb) to give it before the Eid prayer. However, it can also be given on the day of Eid or later. Nevertheless, delaying it until after Eid is considered disliked (makruh).

In the Shafi'i school, unless there is a legitimate excuse, it is forbidden (haram) to delay giving fitrah until after sunset on the first day of Eid. It is also permissible to give fitrah during the first days of Ramadan. (Nevevî, el-Mecmû’, 6/128)

The purpose of fitrah is to enable a poor person to participate in the joy of Eid by meeting their daily food needs according to the living standards of the society they live in.

Today, when determining the amount of fitr charity, it is more appropriate to take as a measure the amount that will meet a person's normal daily food needs. Fitr charity cannot be given to those considered religiously wealthy, to one's ascendants (parents, grandparents), descendants (children and grandchildren), or spouse. Fitrah can be given to one poor person or distributed among several poor people. (Kâsânî, Bedâ’i, 2/75) However, it is preferable that the amount given to each person is not less than one fitrah.

Source: T.C. Diyanet İşleri Başkanlığı, Din İşleri Yüksek Kurulu