The minimum amount increased by 70 percent, the average by 100 percent, and the maximum by 50 percent.

These are the changes in the value of fitra payments in Kosovo this Ramadan. Compared to last year, when the amounts were set at 3, 5, and 10 euros, they have now been set at 5, 10, and 15 euros.

This decision was made by the Islamic Community of Kosovo (BIK), the institution that regulates the norms and value of these religious obligations for its members.

Professor at the Faculty of Islamic Studies in Prishtina, Bahri Hoxha, who was authorized by BIK to provide clarifications to KosovaPress regarding the decision, says the change is related to the standard of living.

“The standard, not only prices but the general standard of living, has increased. People contribute based on their standard, and the institution has always provided more than one standard, depending on the level of the fasting believer. If a believer has a modest standard, they take the lowest amount, while other standards apply to those who had a higher level of consumption during Ramadan,” Hoxha said.

He also explained how this charity has historically been given.

“Prices vary from five euros and above. Determining the price of Sadakatul Fitri depends on understanding its essence. We must go back to the time of the Prophet, when it was mainly given in the form of basic food that was available at the time…”

This increase in the value of the charitable payment is considered understandable by Muslim believers.

Citizen Ardian Purrini says the decision is reasonable considering the current economic situation.

“I see it as a normal reaction because, as we all know, everything has gone up, prices have increased, and with five euros it is very easy to calculate even a simple meal; it cannot cost less than that. Therefore, I believe they thought it through and decided to increase the price, and I think it is reasonable and justified. I hope the minimum will not increase further, but those of us who have the means should not hesitate over one or two euros, though we must also think about those who cannot afford it,” Purrini said.

Another citizen, Bedri Llapashtica, also considers the decision correct, emphasizing that rising prices reflect the general situation in the market.

“The decision of the Islamic Community is right… BIK is not to blame here. Tomatoes and everything else we buy have doubled in price. The fitra has not become more expensive because the Islamic Community wants it to, but because the times demand it,” Llapashtica added.

Meanwhile, another citizen, Bajram Mehija, who also understands the decision, mentioned a common complaint about the lack of increases in income.

“They made this decision; last year I paid five, this year I will pay ten, and my daughter as well… Everything is increasing, only salaries and pensions are not,” Mehija said.

Sadakatul Fitri is an obligation for Muslim believers that is given at the end of the month of Ramadan, aimed at helping families in need and ensuring that everyone can welcome the Eid al-Fitr holiday with dignity.

At the same time, the Islamic Community has also doubled the amount of money a believer must possess in order to pay the 2.5 percent zakat. From 5,875 euros last year, this amount has now been increased to 12,000 euros.