Zakat Deduction and Fitrana Guidelines for Ramadan 2025
As the holy month of Ramadan approaches, updated guidelines for Zakat deductions and Fitrana payments have been announced. These directives ensure that Muslims fulfill their religious obligations correctly and help those in need during this sacred time.
Zakat Deduction on Bank Accounts
Nisab Threshold for 2025
The Nisab is the minimum amount of wealth a Muslim must possess before they are required to pay Zakat. For the year 2025, the Nisab has been set at Rs179,689. This means that on the first day of Ramadan, which is expected to fall on March 1 or 2, Zakat will be deducted from bank accounts holding an amount equal to or above this threshold.
Applicable Accounts
Zakat will be deducted from the following types of accounts:
- Savings Accounts – Accounts that earn profit on deposited amounts.
- Profit and Loss Sharing Accounts – Accounts where profits and losses are shared between the bank and the account holder.
Current accounts are exempt from Zakat deduction, meaning no Zakat will be deducted from these accounts regardless of their balance.
Exemptions
Accounts with a balance lower than Rs179,689 on the first day of Ramadan will not be subject to Zakat deduction. Individuals who have submitted a Zakat exemption affidavit to their banks will also be exempt. Those seeking exemption should verify their status with their respective banks before the deduction date.
Fitrana and Roza Fidya Guidelines
Fitrana (Zakat al-Fitr)
Fitrana is a mandatory charity that must be paid before the Eid-ul-Fitr prayer to ensure that those in need can also celebrate the occasion. The amount is determined based on the prices of staple food items, allowing individuals to choose how they fulfill this obligation.
The Fitrana amount per person for 2025 is:
- Wheat – Rs220
- Barley – Rs450
- Dates – Rs1,650
- Raisins – Rs2,500
- Dried Apricots – Rs5,000
Each person is required to pay at least the minimum amount, but those who can afford more are encouraged to do so.
Roza Fidya (Compensation for Missed Fasts)
For those unable to fast due to valid reasons and who cannot make up the missed fasts later, Fidya must be paid. The compensation for each missed fast is as follows:
- Wheat – Rs220
- Barley – Rs450
- Dates – Rs1,650
- Raisins – Rs2,500
- Dried Apricots – Rs5,000
For the entire month of Ramadan (30 days), Fidya is calculated by multiplying the daily amount by 30.
Kaffara (Expiation for Breaking a Fast)
If someone deliberately breaks a fast without a valid reason, they must either:
- Fast for 60 consecutive days, or
- Feed 60 needy individuals two meals each.
This rule emphasizes the seriousness of observing fasts during Ramadan and provides a means of expiation for those who break their fast intentionally.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Why is Zakat deducted from bank accounts?
Zakat is a religious obligation aimed at wealth redistribution and helping those in need. Automatic deduction ensures compliance and facilitates the process for account holders.
2. How can I submit a Zakat exemption affidavit?
To be exempt from automatic Zakat deduction, individuals must submit a Zakat exemption affidavit to their bank before the first day of Ramadan. Contact your bank for specific procedures.
3. Can I choose the type of commodity for calculating Fitrana?
Yes, individuals can select the type of commodity (wheat, barley, dates, raisins, or dried apricots) based on their financial capacity.
4. What should I do if I cannot fast during Ramadan?
If you are unable to fast due to illness, pregnancy, or other valid reasons and cannot make up the fasts later, you must pay Fidya as compensation.
5. What is the difference between Fidya and Kaffara?
Fidya is compensation for missed fasts due to valid reasons, while Kaffara is an expiation for deliberately breaking a fast without a valid reason. Kaffara requires fasting for 60 days or feeding 60 needy individuals.
