The Council of Islamic Ideology (CII) has recently unveiled its annual Nisab and rates for Fitrana and Fidyah, aimed at guiding Muslims in their observance during the fasting month of Ramadan. Notably, Chairman Dr Raghib Hussain Naeemi outlined these guidelines with clarity and precision.
Underpinning this announcement is a minimum Fitrana set at Rs300 per person, designed to ensure all financially capable individuals contribute accordingly. The fixed rate for wheat flour-based Fitrana has been pegged at Rs200, while barley stands at Rs1,100. For Fidyah—payments made upon breaking fasts over 30 days—the CII suggests a Rs1,600 amount based on dates.
Additionally, the council has set the cost of raisins for those choosing this option at Rs3,800. Those opting to pay through dried grapes (munqa) must cover an even larger sum, Rs5,400.
For missed fasts over a 30-day period, the CII offers different rates based on various commodities. In terms of wheat, the corresponding Fidyah amount is set at Rs9,000, while barley-based Fidyah is Rs33,000. The cost based on dates amounts to Rs48,000, and for raisins, it reaches Rs114,000.
Interestingly, in the case of those who deliberately miss their fasts for 30 days or more, they must pay a hefty Fidyah amount. If using wheat flour as the basis, this would equate to Rs6,000; however, the CII recommends paying through munqa, which comes with a substantial cost—Rs162,000.
Dr Naeemi underscored the importance of Fitrana being obligatory for every financially capable Muslim, irrespective of gender or age. He also provided insight into Kaffarah, explaining that it involves observing continuous fasts for 60 days or feeding 60 needy persons two meals each—an option considered more lenient than fasting oneself.
This comprehensive set of guidelines aims to ensure all Muslims adhere closely to the spiritual and social obligations associated with fasting during Ramadan.