Zakat al-Fitr: who pays, how much and when
At the end of Ramadan every Muslim who can afford it gives zakat al-fitr, also called fitrana or sadaqat al-fitr, so that the poor can celebrate Eid too.
The Messenger of Allah ﷺ made zakat al-fitr obligatory, a sa' of dates or a sa' of barley, on every Muslim, slave or free, male or female, young or old, and ordered that it be given before the people go out to the prayer.
Ibn 'Umar, Sahih al-Bukhari
Zakat al-fitr is a purification for the fasting person from idle talk and obscenity, and food for the poor. Whoever gives it before the prayer, it is an accepted zakat; whoever gives it after the prayer, it is ordinary charity.
Ibn 'Abbas, Abu Dawud
Who pays?
Every Muslim who has more than he needs for himself and his family on the day and night of Eid. The head of the household pays for everyone he provides for, including children; many scholars recommend paying for a child born before the end of Ramadan, and also for an unborn child.
How much?
One sa' per person: a measure of about 2.5–3 kg of a staple food such as dates, rice, wheat or flour. The Hanafi school allows paying the value in money, and many contemporary scholars and councils allow it where it serves the poor better; the other schools hold to food. Mosques and councils publish the amount in local currency each year.
When?
- Best: on the morning of Eid, before the Eid prayer.
- Allowed: one or two days before Eid (al-Bukhari); many scholars allow it from the start of Ramadan.
- Too late: after the Eid prayer it counts only as ordinary charity, and whoever delayed it without excuse still owes it.
Who receives it?
The poor and needy, preferably in your own area. Many pay through a mosque or a trusted charity that distributes it in time for Eid. Eid al-Fitr 2027 is expected on 9 March.
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Frequently asked questions
Do I pay zakat al-fitr for my children?
Yes. The head of the household pays for everyone he is responsible for, including young children.
Is zakat al-fitr the same as zakat?
No. Zakat al-fitr is a fixed amount per person at the end of Ramadan. Zakat on wealth is 2.5% of savings above the nisab after a lunar year.
This article was written with the help of AI. Quran verses are inserted directly from the Quran text (translation: Saheeh International); it is general information, not a religious ruling (fatwa). For your own situation, ask a qualified scholar. Found a mistake? Write to support@hadaff.de.