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    Ramadan

    Ramadan Giving Guide

    Maximize your blessings during the blessed month with this comprehensive guide to Zakat ul-Fitr, Fidya, Kaffarah, and charitable giving.

    Key Ramadan 2026 Reminders

    Ramadan Start

    Check local moon sighting

    Laylatul Qadr

    Last 10 nights (odd nights)

    Zakat ul-Fitr Due

    Before Eid prayer

    Why Give During Ramadan?

    Ramadan is the month of multiplied rewards. The Prophet (PBUH) said: "Whoever draws near to Allah during it (Ramadan) with a single characteristic from the characteristics of goodness, he is like whoever performs an obligatory act in other times."

    This means charitable acts during Ramadan earn exponentially more rewards. The last ten nights, particularly Laylatul Qadr (the Night of Power), are "better than a thousand months" (Quran 97:3) – making any good deed performed then equivalent to over 83 years of worship.

    Zakat ul-Fitr (Fitrana)
    Obligatory

    Zakat ul-Fitr is a mandatory charity given before Eid prayer to purify the fasting person from any indecent act or speech and to help the poor celebrate Eid.

    Amount

    ~$15-20

    Per person in household

    Who Must Pay?

    Every Muslim who has food exceeding their needs for Eid day. Head of household pays for dependents.

    Must be paid BEFORE Eid prayer
    Traditionally equivalent to one Sa' of food (approx. 2.5-3 kg)
    Paid for every member of the household (including newborns)
    Can be given earlier in Ramadan if needed for distribution

    Fidya
    For Unable to Fast

    Fidya is paid by those who cannot fast due to chronic illness, old age, pregnancy/nursing, or other permanent valid reasons where making up the fasts later is not possible.

    Amount

    ~$15

    Per missed fast (feeds one person)

    For 30 Days

    ~$450

    For the entire month of Ramadan

    Note: If you temporarily cannot fast (illness, travel) but can make up fasts later, you should make up the fasts – not pay Fidya.

    Kaffarah
    Penalty for Breaking Fast

    Kaffarah is a penalty for deliberately breaking a fast without valid reason (such as eating, drinking, or sexual relations). It is a serious expiation to atone for this sin.

    Kaffarah Options (in order):

    1. 1.Free a slave (not applicable today)
    2. 2.Fast 60 consecutive days (if unable to do #1)
    3. 3.Feed 60 poor people (if unable to fast) – approximately $900

    Kaffarah is required for each deliberately broken fast. Accidentally breaking a fast does not require Kaffarah – just make up the fast later.

    Giving During Laylatul Qadr

    The Night of Power

    Laylatul Qadr is "better than a thousand months" (Quran 97:3). This means a single good deed performed on this night equals 83+ years of continuous worship!

    While the exact date is hidden, it falls in the last 10 nights of Ramadan, most likely on the odd nights (21st, 23rd, 25th, 27th, 29th).

    Maximize Your Rewards

    Many Muslims set up automated daily donations during the last 10 nights to ensure they give on Laylatul Qadr, whenever it falls.

    Other Ramadan Giving Opportunities

    Iftar Sponsorship

    Feed fasting people and earn the reward of their fasts

    Food Packages

    Provide essential food supplies for families in need

    Zakat (Annual)

    Many pay annual Zakat during Ramadan for extra rewards

    Sadaqah

    Voluntary charity – multiplied rewards during Ramadan

    Quick Reference Summary

    TypeWho?AmountWhen?
    Zakat ul-FitrAll Muslims~$15-20/personBefore Eid prayer
    FidyaUnable to fast~$15/dayDuring Ramadan
    KaffarahBroke fast deliberately~$900/fastASAP

    Give This Ramadan

    Fulfill your Ramadan obligations and maximize your rewards with Aqiqah USA.

    Ramadan GivingCalculate Zakat