ISLAMABAD  (APP) - Sadqa-e-fitr (also known as fitrana) is an amount of charity - in the form of staple foodstuffs - that all Muslims with the means are required to pay at the conclusion of Holy month of Ramazan. Sadqa-e-fitr is given for several reasons. It is as an act of thankfulness towards Allah for having enabled us to observe the fasts of Ramazan and also purifies us from any shortcomings during the month. In addition, it is intended to share joy and happiness amongst Muslims, especially the poor and needy, and to allow them to share in the joys of Eid. According to Mufti Taqi Usmani, it is a Sunnah that the Sadqa-e-fitr is paid before performing the 'Eid prayer. It can also be paid before the 'Eid day, but it is not advisable to delay it up to the performance of'Eid prayer. However, if a person has failed to pay on its proper time, he should pay it as soon as possible, whereby the obligation will stand discharged. It is incumbent on every free Muslim who possesses enough basic foodstuffs to feed himself and his family for the duration of one day and one night. A Muslim must pay Sadqa-e-fitr on behalf of himself, his wife, children and any dependents. Sadqa-e-fitr is an obligation for every Muslim, male or female, who owns 613.35 grams of silver or its equivalent, either in the form of money, ornaments, stock-in-trade, or in the form of some goods or commodities beyond one's normal needs. Every person who owns such an amount has to pay Sadqa-e-ul-fitr, not only on behalf of himself but also on behalf of his minor children.  The prescribed amount of Sadqa-e-fitr is 1.75 Kilograms of wheat or its value in money. This amount is prescribed for paying Sadqa-e-fitr for one person only. If a person has some minor children, the same amount has to be paid on behalf of each one of them separately.   Sadqa-e-fitr is obligated on each adult male or female separately, and the relevant adult person himself is responsible to pay it. The husband is not required to pay Sadqa-e-fitr on behalf of his wife nor is the wife supposed to pay it on behalf of her husband.  Similarly, a father is not bound to pay Sadqa-e-fitr on behalf of his adult children or vice-versa. However, if the head of the family, by his own free will, wishes to pay Sadqa-e-fitr for each one of the members of his family, he should seek their authorization for that purpose. In this case the Sadqa-e-fitr paid by him will be valid on their behalf. If he did not pay the Sadqa-e-fitr on behalf of any of the members of his family, he will not be responsible for it. Rather, it is the duty of every adult member of the family to discharge his own obligation or to request the head of the family to pay it on his or her behalf. The Sadqa-e-fitr is not necessary on behalf of a child who was born after the break of dawn in the 'Eid day, nor is it necessary to pay Sadqa-e-fitr on behalf of a person who dies before the dawn of the Eid day. Sadqa-e-fitr must be paid before the Eid prayer for it to be considered as such. If it is not paid before the Eid prayer it is considered sadaqah and not Sadqa-e-fitr. Most scholars are of the opinion that sadqa-e-fitr is a debt, which remains due so that even if it is not paid within time, one must still pay it. The Prophet (PBUH) prescribed the amount of Sadqa-e-fitr as a sa'a of staple food stuffs (rice, dates etc.). A sa'a is a unit of measurement equal to 4 handfuls of an average man. As such, the exact weight differs based on the foodstuff in question. Chairman, Central Ruet-e-Hilal Committee, Mufti Munib ur Rehman told this Agency that the amount of Sadqa-e-fitr has been fixed at Rs.60 per head this year. According to the market price of 2.25 kilograms flour, the amount for fitrana this year had been calculated at Rs.60. He said those who want to pay equal to date and Kishmish should pay Rs.450 and 550 respectively. But some Ulema were of the view that the per head amount of Sadqa-e-Fitr is Rs.50. However, all the ulema are unanimous that the most deserving people for Sadqa-e-Fitr are close relatives followed by neighbours and the poor.