Zakat al-Fitr is the charitable gift traditionally given before Eid al-Fitr prayer.
It is also known as fitrana or sadaqat al-fitr. The practice is connected with the completion of Ramadan and is intended to purify the fasting person from shortcomings while providing food or support for people in need.
Classical descriptions commonly specify a quantity of staple food, such as dates, barley, raisins, or grain. In many modern communities, organizations collect an equivalent monetary amount so that aid can be distributed efficiently.
Zakat al-Fitr differs from general zakat, the annual charitable obligation calculated under particular rules for qualifying wealth. It also differs from voluntary sadaqah, which can be given at any time and in many forms.