Assalaamu alaikum brothers in Islam. As Ramadan for this year is coming to an end, we Muslims worldwide have started preparing for Eid al-Fitr, a day of joy, gratitude, and celebrations. We have started shopping for new shoes, clothes, and engaging in other shopping too. But before the end of Ramadan, there’s an obligatory act of worship called Zakatul Fitr (Zakat Al Fitr) on us.
Zakat al-Fitr (زكاة الفطر), also called Sadaqat al-Fitr (صدقة الفطر) (the charity of breaking the fast), is a mandatory donation upon every eligible Muslim must give at the end of Ramadan before the Eid al-Fitr prayer. It is different from regular Zakat al Mal, which is based on wealth.
This special charity is not just a recommended act but an obligation that carries rewardable spiritual and social significance. It’s more than a mere donation, it’s a purification for our fasting and a means to ensure that even the less fortunate can partake in the happiness of Eidul Fitr celebration. Allah says;
“Indeed, he has succeeded who purifies himself.” (Quran 87:14)
In Tafseer Jalalyn, this verse means that the successful one is he who purifies himself, who cleanses himself by means of his adherence to faith or any worship. This means purifying oneself from the mistakes and errors in one’s fasting is through paying the Zakatul Fitr.
The Obligation of Zakatul Fitr
The obligation of Zakat al-Fitr is established through the Sunnah of the Prophet ﷺ. Ibn Umar رضي الله عنه narrated:
“The Messenger of Allah ﷺ made Zakat al-Fitr obligatory as one saa‘ of dates or one saa‘ of barley upon the slave and the free, the male and the female, the young and the old among the Muslims. And he commanded that it be given before the people go out to the (Eid) prayer.”
(Sahih Bukhari, 1503; Sahih Muslim, 984)
This hadith clearly establishes that Zakatul Fitr is not optional but rather an obligation upon every Muslim, regardless of gender, age, or financial status, as long as they have enough food for the day and extra to give out.
The Imporatance of Zakat al-Fitr
Purification for the Fasting Person
Fasting isn’t just about hunger; it’s about discipline. Even with our best efforts in observing our fasting very well, our fasting may have been tainted by idle talk, bad manners, or other shortcomings. Zakat al-Fitr acts as a purifier, ensuring our Ramadan fast is presented to Allah in a complete and accepted manner. Ibn Abbas رضي الله عنه narrated:“The Messenger of Allah ﷺ enjoined Zakat al-Fitr to purify the fasting person from idle talk and obscenities and to feed the poor. Whoever gives it before the (Eid) prayer, it is accepted as Zakat. Whoever gives it after the prayer, it is just another form of charity.”
(Abu Dawood, 1609; Ibn Majah, 1827; Authenticated by Al-Albaani)Providing for the Poor
Islam encourages peace and well well-being of everyone in the community. No Muslim should feel left out on Eid due to financial struggles. Zakatul Fitr ensures that even the poorest among us have enough food to celebrate, strengthening brotherhood and compassion among us.- Thanking Allah
By giving to others, we acknowledge that our ability to fast and celebrate is only by His mercy, and we are using this as an opportunity to thank Him. The Prophet ﷺ said,“If Allah has given you wealth, let the traces of his blessings and generosity be seen upon you.” Sunan Abi Dawud 4063
From the time of the Prophet ﷺ until today, Zakatul Fitr has remained a core part of Ramadan and Eid celebrations. It teaches Muslims the essence of brotherhood in Islam, to be grateful for their blessings, and encourages the wellbeing of the Muslim community.
As Eid approaches, fulfilling this obligation with sincerity and proper understanding ensures that our fasts are accepted, our hearts are purified, and our brothers and sisters in faith can also share in the joy of Eid al-Fitr.
Who Must Pay Zakat Al-Fitr? (Obligation & Eligibility)
Zakat al-Fitr is a universal obligation on all Muslims, regardless of age or gender, as long as they meet the basic conditions. It is not restricted to the wealthy, unlike annual Zakat, but rather applies to everyone who is able to fulfill this obligation. The obligation of Zakat al-Fitr applies to:
- Men and Women: Every adult Muslim, male or female, must give Zakat al-Fitr in as much as they are able to
- Children: Parents or guardians must pay Zakatul Fitr on behalf of their minor children. Even newborn babies who were born before Maghrib on the last day of Ramadan must have Zakat al-Fitr paid for them.
- Elderly and Disabled: If a person is mentally sound and has enough means, they must pay Zakat al-Fitr themselves. If they are dependent on others, their guardian should pay on their behalf.
- Slaves (in the time of slavery): In the era of slavery, it was the responsibility of the master to pay Zakat al-Fitr for their enslaved individuals.
Guardian’s duty in paying for dependents: The head of the household (father/husband) must pay for:
- His wife (unless she chooses to pay for herself).
- His children (if they are minors).
- Any dependents living under his care, including elderly parents who rely on him.
A woman may pay on behalf of:
- Herself, if she has financial independence, and it is good if she does this for herself, even if her husband is capable
- Her children and husband is he is incapable at that time, and she is
There’s always a question in this aspect whether we can pay Zakat Al Fitr in money or cash; the correct opinion is that we can’t pay Zakat Al Fitr in money or cash due to a piece of evidence, which you can read here: “Paying Zakatul Fitr with money or cash“.
Is Zakat al-Fitr Obligatory on Poor Muslims?
The answer depends on their financial situation. If a Muslim owns enough food for themselves and their dependents and has extra food beyond their Eid needs (even if they’re poor), then they must give Zakat al-Fitr. Even if they are not considered wealthy, as long as they have surplus food, they are required to pay.
However, if a person is so poor that they do not have enough food for the day of Eid, they are exempt from paying Zakat al-Fitr. Instead, they are eligible to receive it.
Measurement of Zakat Al-Fitr
Islam provides clear guidance on how much Zakat al-Fitr must be given. It is a fixed amount measured in Saa’ (صاع), a traditional measurement used during the time of the Prophet ﷺ. The Prophet ﷺ fixed Zakat al-Fitr as 1 Sa‘a (صاع) of the local staple food. The Messenger of Allah ﷺ said:
“The Messenger of Allah enjoined Zakat al-Fitr upon the people as one Saa’ of dates or one Saa’ of barley upon every free person or slave, male or female, among the Muslims.”
(Sahih Bukhari 1503, Sahih Muslim)
Abu Sa‘īd al-Khudri رضي الله عنه reported:
When the Messenger of Allah ﷺ was among us, we used to give out Zakat al-Fitr on behalf of every young and old person, free or slave, as one Sā‘ of food, or one Sā‘ of Aqit (dried yogurt), or one Sā‘ of barley, or one Sā‘ of dates, or one Sā‘ of raisins.
We continued giving it out until Mu‘āwiyah ibn Abi Sufyān رضي الله عنه came to us for Hajj or ‘Umrah. He addressed the people from the pulpit, and among the things he said to the people was: Verily, I see that two Mudds of the Syrian wheat are equivalent to one Sā‘ of dates. So, people started applying this. Abu Sa‘īd said: As for me, I will continue to give it as I used to give it for as long as I live. (Sahih Muslim – 985)
Types of Food That Can Be Given
The Prophet ﷺ specified staple foods commonly eaten in a community. In his time, these were dates, barley, wheat, and raisins. Today, staple foods differ from place to place. Scholars agree that Zakat al-Fitr should be given from foods that are commonly consumed in a person’s region. Examples of acceptable staple foods:
- Dates (Tamr)
- Wheat
- Barley
- Rice
- Beans
- Corn
- Lentils
- Millet
- Flour (if it’s a staple food in that region)
The goal is to ensure that the needy receive essential food to enjoy Eid and bring joy to the less fortunate in our community.
When Should Zakat Al-Fitr Be Paid? (Correct Timing)
Zakatul Fitr is a time-sensitive obligation that must be given at the right time to fulfill its purpose. The best and most preferred time to give Zakat al-Fitr is on the morning of Eid, before the Eid prayer. This was the practice of the Prophet ﷺ and his Companions. Ibn Umar رضي الله عنه narrated:
“The Messenger of Allah ﷺ enjoined Zakat al-Fitr to be given before people go out for the Eid prayer.” (Sahih Bukhari 1503)
Is It Valid to Give Zakat Al-Fitr in Advance?
Yes, it is permissible to give Zakat al-Fitr a few days before Eid. It can be two or one day before Eid day. In fact, some of the Sahabah (Companions) used to give it one or two days before. Nafi’ (the student of Ibn Umar) reported:
“Ibn Umar used to give Zakat al-Fitr on behalf of his children and household. He would give it to those who accepted it, and people used to give it one or two days before Eid.”
(Sahih Bukhari 1511)
The Deadline for Giving Zakat al-Fitr
It is forbidden to delay Zakat al-Fitr until after the Eid prayer. If given after that, it is invalid as Zakatul Fitr, but still considered a general charity (sadaqah). The Prophet ﷺ warned:
“Whoever gives it before the Eid prayer, it is accepted as Zakat al-Fitr. Whoever gives it after the prayer, it is just ordinary charity.”
(Sunan Abu Dawood 1609, Ibn Majah 1827 – Sahih by Al-Albaani)
It is recommended, not obligatory, to add money as charity to the food given because the person might be poor and incapable of processing the food to be eaten.
Who Should Receive Zakat Al-Fitr? (Eligible Beneficiaries)
One of the key principles of Zakat al-Fitr is ensuring it reaches those who need it most. This means that the poor and needy Muslims should be prioritized first, and thus it can be given to the following set of people mentioned for the Zakatul Mal.
- the poor (Al-Fuqara’),
- the needy (Al-Masakin),
- those employed to collect it,
- those whose hearts are to be reconciled,
- to free slaves,
- for those in debt,
- for the cause of Allah,
- and for the stranded traveler
However, like we have mentioned earlier, we have to prioritize the poor (Al-Fuqara’), those who have no or very little income and struggle to meet basic needs, and the needy (Al-Masakin). Those who have some income but not enough to cover their essential expenses.
How to Distribute Zakat al-Fitr Properly
Now that we understand who should receive Zakat al-Fitr, the next step is knowing how to distribute it correctly. To ensure your Zakat al-Fitr is given correctly, follow these three key guidelines:
1. Direct Giving: Hand It to a Needy Person You Know: The best way to distribute Zakat al-Fitr is by personally giving it to a poor or needy Muslim.
- If you know a struggling family, hand them the food before Eid.
- Look for widows, orphans, and those with low income in your community.
- Make sure they receive it before the Eid prayer so they can enjoy the day without worry.
2. Through Mosques & Trusted Charities: Ensure They Distribute It on Time: If you cannot find needy people yourself, you can give your Zakat al-Fitr to:
- A local mosque that organizes food distribution.
- An Islamic charity that ensures Zakat reaches the right beneficiaries.
However, make sure:
The organization follows Islamic guidelines (giving it in food, not delaying it).
They distribute it before the Eid prayer, as delaying it nullifies the reward.
Be cautious of charities that accept cash donations but fail to convert them into food on time.
3. Avoid Delays: Late Distribution Defeats Its Purpose: The whole purpose of Zakat al-Fitr is to ensure the poor can enjoy Eid. If given after the Eid prayer, it becomes a form of charity (Sadaqah) but loses its original reward.
Ibn Abbas رضي الله عنه said:
“Whoever gives it before the prayer, it is accepted as Zakat. But whoever gives it after the prayer, it is merely charity.”
(Sunan Abu Dawood 1609, Ibn Majah 1827 – Sahih by Al-Albaani
As Ramadan is coming to an end, Zakat al-Fitr serves as a final act of purification and gratitude for the blessed month. It reminds us that Islam is a religion of compassion, ensuring that the poor and needy also share in the joy of Eid al-Fitr.
By giving Zakatul Fitr sincerely and on time, we cleanse our fasts from any shortcomings and earn Allah’s immense reward. It is not just a duty but a privilege to help our fellow Muslims and strengthen our bond as a Ummah.
We ask Allah to accept our Fasting and Zakat from us, for indeed You are the All-Hearing, the All-Knowing. Forgive us, for You are the Most Forgiving, Most Merciful. Make our charity a purification for us and our sins, bless us in what You have provided, and admit us, by Your mercy, among Your righteous servants. Let us witness a lot of Ramadan on earth and grant us piety in it. Aameen
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