Zakat vs Sadaqah vs Fitrana — What's the Difference?

Islam encourages generosity through multiple forms of giving, each with its own rules, timing, and purpose. The three most commonly discussed during Ramadan are Zakat, Sadaqah, and Fitrana (Zakat al-Fitr). While they all involve giving to those in need, they are distinct obligations with important differences.

Quick Comparison Table

What Is Zakat (al-Mal)?

Zakat al-Mal is the obligatory annual charity that forms the third pillar of Islam. It is a duty upon every Muslim whose net wealth exceeds the Nisab threshold (based on 87.48 grams of gold) for one full lunar year.

The rate is 2.5% of net zakatable wealth, which includes cash, gold, silver, investments, business inventory, and other liquid assets. Debts and immediate liabilities are subtracted before calculating.

Zakat must be given to specific categories of recipients as defined in the Quran (Surah At-Tawbah, 9:60): the poor, the needy, Zakat administrators, those whose hearts are to be reconciled, freeing captives, those in debt, in the cause of Allah, and the wayfarer.

"Zakat expenditures are only for the poor and for the needy and for those employed for it and for bringing hearts together and for freeing captives and for those in debt and for the cause of Allah and for the stranded traveler."

Quran 9:60

Zakat is not limited to Ramadan. It can be paid at any time of year, though many Muslims choose to pay during Ramadan for the multiplied rewards. For more details, see Can I Pay Zakat in Ramadan?

What Is Sadaqah?

Sadaqah is voluntary charity given out of compassion, love, friendship, or generosity. Unlike Zakat, Sadaqah has no minimum amount, no specific timing, and no restrictions on who can receive it.

Key characteristics of Sadaqah:

• Completely voluntary — There is no sin in not giving Sadaqah, but great reward in giving it.
• No minimum amount — Even a smile or a kind word is considered Sadaqah in Islam.
• No wealth requirement — You do not need to meet the Nisab to give Sadaqah.
• Broader recipients — Sadaqah can be given to anyone — Muslim or non-Muslim, rich or poor, humans or even animals.
• Any time of year — There is no specific timing for Sadaqah.
• Can be non-monetary — Helping someone, teaching knowledge, or removing harm from a path are all forms of Sadaqah.

Sadaqah Jariyah (ongoing charity) is a special form where the reward continues even after the giver's death. Examples include building a well, funding education, or planting a tree.

What Is Fitrana (Zakat al-Fitr)?

Zakat al-Fitr, commonly known as Fitrana, is an obligatory charity paid at the end of Ramadan, before the Eid al-Fitr prayer. It serves two purposes: to purify the fasting person from any shortcomings during Ramadan, and to provide for the poor so they can celebrate Eid.

Key characteristics of Fitrana:

• Obligatory — Every Muslim must pay Fitrana, regardless of age. The head of the household pays on behalf of all dependents (including children and even newborns born before Eid).
• Fixed amount — The amount is approximately one sa' (about 2.5-3 kg) of a staple food (wheat, barley, dates, or rice). In monetary terms, this is typically around $10-15 per person, though the exact amount varies by location and year.
• Specific deadline — Must be paid before the Eid al-Fitr prayer. Paying after the prayer is considered regular charity, not Fitrana.
• Given to the poor and needy — The primary purpose is to ensure the poor can enjoy the Eid celebration.

Key Differences Explained

Obligation Level

Zakat is one of the five pillars of Islam — denying its obligation can take one outside the fold of Islam. Fitrana is obligatory (wajib) but not a pillar. Sadaqah is entirely voluntary — highly encouraged but not required.

Who Must Pay

Zakat is only required for those whose wealth exceeds the Nisab for one full year. Fitrana is required for every Muslim, even those with very little wealth (as long as they have enough food for themselves on Eid). Sadaqah has no requirement — anyone can give at any time.

Calculation

Zakat requires careful calculation of assets and liabilities. Fitrana is a simple fixed amount per person. Sadaqah has no calculation — give whatever you wish.

Timing

Zakat follows your personal hawl (anniversary) date and is not tied to any specific month. Fitrana is specifically tied to Ramadan and must be paid before Eid. Sadaqah has no timing restrictions.

Can I Combine Them?

No. Each is a separate obligation (or voluntary act) and they cannot be substituted for one another:

• Paying Fitrana does not satisfy your Zakat al-Mal obligation.
• Paying Zakat does not exempt you from Fitrana.
• Sadaqah is above and beyond both Zakat and Fitrana.

If you owe Zakat al-Mal and Fitrana is due, you must pay both. Any additional giving beyond these obligations counts as Sadaqah.

Practical Example During Ramadan

Consider a Muslim named Ahmed with the following situation during Ramadan 2026:

• Zakat al-Mal: Ahmed's net wealth is $50,000, which exceeds the Nisab. His hawl date falls on 1st Ramadan. He owes $50,000 × 2.5% = $1,250 in Zakat.
• Fitrana: Ahmed has a family of four (himself, wife, two children). At $12 per person, he owes 4 × $12 = $48 in Fitrana, due before Eid prayer.
• Sadaqah: Ahmed also donates $200 to his local food bank during Ramadan. This is voluntary and counts as Sadaqah.

Ahmed's total obligations: $1,250 (Zakat) + $48 (Fitrana) = $1,298. The $200 Sadaqah is additional voluntary giving.

Conclusion

Understanding the differences between Zakat, Sadaqah, and Fitrana helps you fulfill each obligation correctly during Ramadan. Zakat al-Mal purifies your wealth, Fitrana purifies your fast, and Sadaqah is a beautiful expression of generosity that earns reward without limit.

This Ramadan, make sure you account for all three. Calculate your Zakat carefully, pay your Fitrana before Eid, and give as much Sadaqah as your heart desires.