Zakat al-Fitr, also called Fitrana or Sadaqat al-Fitr, is a small obligatory charity paid by every Muslim at the end of Ramadan, before the Eid prayer. The amount is one sa' (about 2.5 to 3 kilograms) of the staple food of your area per person, or its cash value in the view of many scholars. It purifies the fast and feeds the poor on the day of Eid.
In 2027 Eid al-Fitr is expected on Tuesday, 9 March, so Zakat al-Fitr should be paid before that morning's prayer. See when Ramadan 2027 ends.
What is Zakat al-Fitr?
It is a charity that the Prophet (peace be upon him) made obligatory at the end of the fast. Ibn Abbas (may Allah be pleased with him) said: "The Messenger of Allah made Zakat al-Fitr obligatory as a purification for the fasting person from idle talk and obscene speech, and as food for the poor" (Sunan Abi Dawud, Sunan Ibn Majah).
Zakat al-Fitr is different from Zakat al-Mal, the yearly 2.5% on savings. It does not require the nisab or a full year of ownership.
Who must pay it?
Every Muslim who has more than their needs, and the needs of those they support, for the day and night of Eid. Ibn Umar (may Allah be pleased with him) reported that the Prophet (peace be upon him) made it obligatory "upon the slave and the free, the male and the female, the young and the old among the Muslims" (Sahih al-Bukhari and Sahih Muslim).
- The head of the household pays for himself and his dependants, such as a spouse and children, including a child born before the time it becomes due (see the section on timing).
- It is not required for an unborn child, though it is allowed.
- A person with no spare food beyond what they need that day is not required to pay.
How much is Zakat al-Fitr?
The amount is one sa' of staple food per person. Ibn Umar said: "The Messenger of Allah made obligatory Zakat al-Fitr as one sa' of dates or one sa' of barley" (Sahih al-Bukhari and Sahih Muslim).
A sa' is a measure of volume. Scholars convert it to roughly 2.5 to 3 kilograms, depending on the food and the scholar's conversion:
- About 2.5 kg is the commonly cited figure for wheat and flour.
- About 3 kg is used for lighter foods such as barley or some rice, in some conversions.
Because the amount depends on the staple food and the local price, many Islamic councils, charities and mosques publish the cash value for the year in your country. Check their figure before Ramadan ends. The Hanafi school allows half a sa' of wheat, or one sa' of other foods.
Example
A family of five with its own staple food of wheat gives about 2.5 kg × 5 = 12.5 kg, or the cash value announced by the local mosque or charity for five people.
Can I pay in cash?
Views differ.
- Food: the majority of scholars (Maliki, Shafi'i, Hanbali) say it should be paid in food, as stated in the reports. In many places this is easy when the charity buys and gives food.
- Cash: the Hanafi school and some contemporary scholars allow cash equivalent, since it helps the poor buy what they need, especially in cities. Many Muslim charities collect the cash value for this reason.
Follow the opinion you trust, and make sure the money reaches those who need it before Eid.
When should I pay it?
- Best time: on the morning of Eid before the Eid prayer. Ibn Umar reported that the Prophet (peace be upon him) "commanded that it be paid before the people go out to the prayer" (Sahih al-Bukhari and Sahih Muslim).
- Allowed early: one or two days before Eid, as the companions did (Sahih al-Bukhari). Many councils permit paying earlier in Ramadan so that charities can distribute it in time.
- After the prayer: it counts as ordinary charity, not Zakat al-Fitr, according to the hadith: "Whoever pays it before the prayer, it is an accepted Zakat, and whoever pays it after the prayer, it is a charity like any other" (Sunan Abi Dawud, Sunan Ibn Majah). If you forgot, pay it as soon as you remember.
Who receives Zakat al-Fitr?
The poor and the needy. The purpose is that they are not left asking on the day of Eid. Choose people you know to be in need, or give through a trusted organisation, and do not give it to those you are obliged to support (such as your own dependants). Many people give to the poor in their own country or area first, and others send it where the need is greatest.
Paying from abroad
You can pay where you live, or through a charity that distributes in another country. Most scholars say each person pays in the place where they are when it becomes due, and it is allowed to send it elsewhere if the need is greater. Make sure the charity can deliver it before Eid.
Frequently asked questions
Is Zakat al-Fitr obligatory?
Yes. It is an obligation on every Muslim who has the means, including children, who pay through their guardian.
When does Zakat al-Fitr become due?
At sunset on the last day of Ramadan, the start of Eid night, according to most scholars (the Hanafi school says at dawn on Eid day). You may pay it a day or two before Eid, and it should be paid before the Eid prayer.
How much is Zakat al-Fitr per person?
One sa' of the staple food, roughly 2.5 to 3 kilograms, or its cash value in the opinion of many scholars. Your local mosque or charity announces the amount.
Can Zakat al-Fitr be paid after Eid?
It is accepted as charity, not as Zakat al-Fitr, so avoid delay. If you were unable to pay in time, pay as soon as you can and ask Allah for forgiveness.
Is Zakat al-Fitr the same as Zakat on wealth?
No. Zakat al-Fitr is a small fixed amount per person at the end of Ramadan. Zakat on wealth is 2.5% of savings above the nisab after a full year. You can use our Zakat calculator for the second.
Can I give Zakat al-Fitr to my relatives?
You can give it to poor relatives you are not obliged to support, such as a poor brother or sister. You cannot give it to your parents and children, whom you must support.
This guide is educational and not a fatwa. For your amount, follow the figure announced by a local, trusted authority.