- Every Muslim must give charity, Zakatul-Fitr, at the end of Ramadan
- This serves as a purification for sins committed during fasting and ensures that everyone can partake in Eid celebrations
- TheRadar has compiled everything you need to know about Zakatul-Fitr
As the blessed month of Ramadan draws to a close, Muslims around the world prepare to fulfill an important religious obligation, Zakatul-Fitr.
This special form of charity, given before the Eid prayers, is more than just a financial duty; it is a means of purifying one's fast, supporting the less fortunate, and strengthening community bonds.
But what exactly is Zakatul-Fitr, and how should it be observed?
Here’s everything you need to know.
What is Zakatul-Fitr?
Zakatul-Fitr is a mandatory charity given by Muslims at the end of Ramadan, just before the Eid al-Fitr prayer.
The word "Zakat" means purification, and "Fitr" refers to breaking the fast.
This form of charity purifies the fasting person from any shortcomings in their fasting, such as idle talk or minor misdeeds, while also ensuring that the less fortunate can celebrate Eid without hardship.
Why is Zakatul-Fitr important?
The wisdom behind Zakatul-Fitr can be found in the hadith of Ibn ‘Abbas, who said:
“The Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings be upon him) made Zakatul-Fitr obligatory as a means of purifying the fasting person from idle talk and foul language and to feed the poor. Whoever pays it before the prayer, it is an accepted zakah, and whoever pays it after the prayer, it is just a kind of charity.” (Abu Dawood, 1371).
The hadith highlights two key objectives of Zakatul-Fitr:
1. Spiritual purification: It cleanses any shortcomings that may have occurred during fasting.
2. Social welfare: It ensures that the poor can also partake in the joy of Eid.
In this sense, Zakatul-Fitr serves as both an act of worship and a form of social solidarity.
Is Zakatul-Fitr obligatory?
Yes, Zakatul-Fitr is compulsory (fard) for all Muslims, regardless of age or gender, as long as they have the financial means to pay it.
Ibn ‘Umar reported:
“The Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings be upon him) made Zakatul-Fitr, one saa’ of dates or one saa’ of barley, obligatory on all Muslims, slave and free, male and female, young and old.” (Bukhari, 1407).
Who is required to pay?
A Muslim must pay Zakatul-Fitr if they have enough food or money beyond their basic needs for the day and night of Eid.
The obligation extends to:
- Every Muslim, including children and elderly individuals.
- The head of a household must also pay for their dependents, such as their spouse, children, and any dependents they support financially.
- Guardians must pay on behalf of minors under their care.
- Those who do not have enough resources to cover their basic needs are exempt from paying Zakatul-Fitr.
When should Zakatul-Fitr be paid?
Zakatul-Fitr must be paid before the Eid prayer. The best time to give it is:
1. Before the Eid prayer on the day of Eid: This is the preferred and most recommended time.
2. A day or two before Eid: Some scholars allow giving Zakatul-Fitr a few days before Eid, especially for those who need time to distribute it properly.
If given after the Eid prayer, it is still considered charity but does not fulfill the obligation of Zakatul-Fitr.
What is the amount of Zakatul-Fitr?
The prescribed amount of Zakatul-Fitr is one saa’ of food per person.
A saa’ is a traditional Islamic unit of measurement, equivalent to 3 dericas, 4 small mudus,1 big mudu, or 12 milk cups of food staple.
What kind of food can be given?
Zakatul-Fitr should be given in the form of staple food that is commonly consumed in a region, such as:
- Dates
- Wheat
- Barley
- Rice
- Corn
- Lentils
- Raisins
Different regions may have different staple foods, and it is permissible to give whatever is most commonly consumed.
Can Zakatul-Fitr be given in cash?
There is a difference of opinion among scholars on whether Zakatul-Fitr can be given in cash.
- The majority of scholars believe that it must be given in food, as this was the practice of the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him).
- Some scholars, particularly in the Hanafi school of thought, permit giving it in the form of money if it is more beneficial for the poor.
However, to follow the Sunnah strictly, it is best to give it in food unless the local circumstances necessitate cash donations.
Who should receive Zakatul-Fitr?
Zakatul-Fitr is meant for the poor and needy who do not have sufficient food for Eid.
It should ideally be distributed within the local community so that the poor around you can also celebrate Eid.
Scholars generally agree that it falls under the same categories of recipients as regular Zakat (Zakatul-Mal), which are:
1. The poor (who have little to no resources).
2. The needy (who have insufficient means).
3. Those employed to distribute zakat.
4. Those whose hearts need to be reconciled (new Muslims or those inclined to Islam).
5. Those in debt.
6. Those in the path of Allah.
7. Stranded travellers.
However, the priority for Zakatul-Fitr is feeding the poor, ensuring they have food for Eid.
What happens if someone misses Zakatul-Fitr?
If Zakat al-Fitr is not paid before the Eid prayer, it remains an obligation and must be given as soon as possible.
However, if it is delayed without a valid reason, it will not hold the same reward as giving it on time.
Ramadan 2025: Everything you need to know about it
Meanwhile, TheRadar earlier compiled basic information about Ramadan to help Muslims deepen their understanding or non-Muslims curious about Ramadan.
Ramadan is one of the most sacred months in Islam, observed by billions of Muslims worldwide. It is a time of fasting, prayer, reflection, and community.