Do I pay zakat al-fitr for my baby?
Yes, you pay zakat al-fitr for your baby if the baby is born before Eid begins. Zakat al-fitr is due for every Muslim, young or old, and parents pay it for the children they support. For a baby still in the womb it is not required, though some scholars recommend it.
Every Muslim, even a newborn
Unlike the yearly zakat on savings, zakat al-fitr is a small payment linked to the end of Ramadan, and it is due per person, not per wallet. Ibn Umar reported that the Prophet ﷺ made it obligatory as one sa' of dates or barley on every Muslim, free or slave, male or female, young or old (Sahih al-Bukhari 1503). A baby clearly counts as "young", so the parent who provides for the child pays on their behalf. See What is zakat al-fitr?
When the baby is born matters
Scholars differ slightly on the exact moment zakat al-fitr becomes due:
- Shafi'i and Hanbali view (and one Maliki view): at sunset on the last day of Ramadan. A baby born before that sunset needs zakat al-fitr; one born after it does not.
- Hanafi view (and another Maliki view): at dawn on the day of Eid. A baby born during Eid night, before dawn, is included.
If your baby arrives on the last night of Ramadan and you aren't sure, paying for them is the easy and cautious choice. It is a small amount and a lovely first good deed in their name.
What about a baby on the way?
Most scholars say there is no obligation for an unborn child. The Hanbali school considers it recommended, based on the practice of the caliph Uthman, who paid it for babies in the womb. So if you're expecting, you can pay for the baby as a voluntary extra, but you don't have to.
Who pays and how much
The person responsible for the child's living costs pays, usually the father, or whoever supports the household. The amount is the same as for an adult: one sa' of staple food, which many mosques in the UK, Europe and the USA set at roughly £5–£10 or $10–$15 per person. Pay it before the Eid prayer. See How much is zakat al-fitr and when do I pay it?
This is different from the yearly zakat on a child's own savings, which scholars discuss separately. See Do children have to pay zakat?
- Zakat al-fitr is due on every Muslim, including babies (Sahih al-Bukhari 1503).
- A baby born before it becomes due (sunset on the last day of Ramadan, or Eid dawn for Hanafis) is included.
- Paying for an unborn baby is optional; Hanbalis call it recommended.
- The parent who supports the child pays the same amount as for an adult.
People also ask
Do I pay zakat on my monthly salary?
Most scholars say you don't pay zakat on each paycheck: zakat is 2.5% of the salary you've saved above the nisab on your yearly zakat date.
Read the full answer →Why did Abu Bakr fight those who refused zakat?
Abu Bakr fought those who refused zakat because they rebelled against a pillar of Islam and the state. The story, Umar's view and what it means today.
Read the full answer →Is a charity raffle haram?
Yes, most scholars say a paid charity raffle is haram because it is still a lottery. Free draws, auctions and direct donations are halal alternatives.
Read the full answer →Can I give zakat to a student studying Islam?
Yes, you can give zakat to a poor or needy student of Islamic knowledge, and many scholars allow it even if the student could work.
Read the full answer →Can I take back zakat I gave by mistake?
Usually no: zakat given to an eligible person is theirs. Money sent to the wrong account can be reclaimed, and overpayment still counts.
Read the full answer →