Chairperson of the Council of Islamic Ideology (CII), Allama Dr Muhammad Raghib Hussain Naeemi, has announced the nisab and prescribed rates for Sadaqatul-Fitr and Fidyah for fasting for the current year, providing detailed guidance based on prevailing commodity prices and established religious principles.
According to Dr Naeemi, the minimum amount of Sadaqatul-Fitr and Fidyah has been fixed at Rs300 per person. This minimum benchmark is calculated on the basis of wheat flour. However, alternative rates have also been specified for individuals who wish to pay according to other staple commodities traditionally used in such calculations.
Based on barley, the amount has been set at Rs1,100 per person. For dates, the rate stands at Rs1,600, while raisins carry a value of Rs3,800 per person. The highest rate announced is for munqa, which has been fixed at Rs5,400 per person. In addition, for those using government-subsidised flour, Sadaqatul-Fitr and Fidyah have been set at Rs200 per person.
Dr Naeemi emphasized that Sadaqatul-Fitr is obligatory on every Muslim, regardless of gender, age or social status. He advised individuals with greater financial capacity to contribute according to their economic standing rather than limiting themselves to the minimum wheat-based amount. By doing so, he said, greater assistance could be extended to deserving individuals and families, especially in the context of rising living costs.
The CII chairperson further clarified that residents of provinces other than Punjab should calculate Sadaqatul-Fitr and Fidyah based on the local prices of food commodities in their respective areas. This guidance reflects variations in regional market rates and ensures that contributions remain aligned with prevailing economic conditions.
Providing further detail, Dr Naeemi outlined the total Fidyah amounts for individuals unable to observe all 30 fasts of Ramadan. Based on wheat, the Fidyah for 30 fasts amounts to Rs9,000. On barley, the total reaches Rs33,000; on dates, Rs48,000; on raisins, Rs114,000; and on munqa, Rs162,000. If calculated using government-subsidised flour, the Fidyah for 30 fasts amounts to Rs6,000.
He also addressed the expiation, or Kaffarah, for deliberately breaking a fast. According to established religious rulings, the Kaffarah requires either observing 60 consecutive fasts or feeding 60 needy individuals two meals each. This provision is distinct from Fidyah, which applies to those unable to fast due to valid reasons such as illness or other enduring constraints.
Dr Naeemi explained that the prescribed weight for wheat is half a sa‘a, which is approximately two kilograms as a precautionary measure. For barley, dates and munqa, the nisab is one full sa‘a, approximately four kilograms. These measurements form the traditional basis for calculating monetary equivalents in modern currency.
The annual announcement of Sadaqatul-Fitr and Fidyah rates provides clarity to the public ahead of Ramadan, enabling individuals to fulfill their religious obligations in accordance with updated market valuations. By issuing commodity-based calculations alongside monetary equivalents, the Council of Islamic Ideology seeks to ensure both accuracy and flexibility in charitable contributions during the holy month.
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