What is zakat al-fitr?
Zakat al-fitr is a small, required charity paid at the end of Ramadan. Every Muslim who can afford it pays it for themselves and their dependents, including children. It's usually the value of a meal or two per person, and it must reach the poor before the Eid prayer so everyone can celebrate.
What it is
"Fitr" means breaking the fast, which is why it's also called sadaqat al-fitr or, in South Asia, fitrana. The Prophet Muhammad ﷺ "enjoined the payment of one Sa' of dates or one Sa' of barley as Zakat-ul-Fitr on every Muslim slave or free, male or female, young or old," and ordered that it be paid before people went out to the Eid prayer (Sahih al-Bukhari 1503). A sa' is a measure of about 2.5 to 3 kg of staple food. See How much is zakat al-fitr and when do I pay it?
Who pays
- Every Muslim who has food for themselves and their family for the day of Eid beyond their basic needs. Most scholars don't require the nisab for this.
- The head of the household pays for dependents, like children and, according to most scholars, his wife. See Does a husband have to pay his wife's zakat?
- You pay it even if you couldn't fast for a valid reason, like illness or travel.
It's different from the yearly zakat on wealth, which only applies above the nisab. See What is the difference between zakat and sadaqah?
Why it matters
Ibn Abbas reported that the Prophet ﷺ prescribed it "as a purification of the fasting from empty and obscene talk and as food for the poor" (Sunan Abi Dawud 1609). Two purposes in one: it makes up for the small slips in your fast, and it means no one in the community goes hungry on Eid.
New Muslims
If you became Muslim during Ramadan, you pay zakat al-fitr if you're Muslim when the sun sets on the last day of Ramadan, even if you only fasted a few days. If you became Muslim after Eid, it isn't due that year. If you're in need yourself, you may be eligible to receive it. See Can I receive zakat as a new Muslim? and Do I have to fast Ramadan in my first year as a Muslim?
- Zakat al-fitr is a required end-of-Ramadan charity.
- It's paid for every family member, children included.
- It purifies the fast and feeds the poor.
- Pay it before the Eid prayer.
People also ask
Is a smile really charity in Islam?
Yes. The Prophet said smiling at your brother is charity. In Islam, every act of goodness counts as sadaqah.
Read the full answer →How much is zakat al-fitr and when do I pay it?
One sa' of staple food, about 2.5 to 3 kg, per person, or its cash value in the Hanafi view. Pay before the Eid prayer.
Read the full answer →How do I choose a trustworthy charity for my zakat?
Look for a separate zakat fund, a clear zakat policy, audited accounts and eligible recipients. Here's a quick checklist.
Read the full answer →Do I have to tell the person it's zakat?
No. Your intention is what counts, so you can give it quietly or as a gift. Just make sure they're eligible.
Read the full answer →Can I pay someone's tuition with my zakat?
Yes, if the student is poor or in debt and studying something useful. Some scholars want it given to the student, not the school.
Read the full answer →