Zakat al-Fitr — زَكَاةُ الْفِطْر — is the obligatory charity given at the end of Ramadan before the Eid al-Fitr prayer. Ibn Abbas ؓ reported that the Prophet ﷺ made it obligatory as a purification for the fasting person from idle talk and obscenity, and as food for the poor. (Abu Dawud 1609, Ibn Majah 1827 — authenticated). It is obligatory upon every Muslim — man, woman, child, free or slave — for whom food is available beyond their immediate need on Eid day.
What is given and how much
The Prophet ﷺ specified one sa’ (approximately 2.5-3 kg) of the staple food of the region — dates, barley, raisins, or similar. (Bukhari 1506, Muslim 985). Scholars differ on whether the monetary equivalent can be given — the majority of classical scholars required food; some contemporary scholars (particularly in the Hanafi school) permit monetary value. Each Muslim should follow the ruling of their school or a reliable scholar in their community.
When it must be paid
Zakat al-Fitr must be paid before the Eid prayer — this is the time specified in the narrations. Paying it before the prayer means the poor receive it in time to participate in the Eid celebration; paying it after converts it into ordinary sadaqah rather than Zakat al-Fitr. The recommended practice is to pay it one or two days before Eid so that distribution can be arranged in time.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Zakat al-Fitr?
Zakat al-Fitr is the obligatory charity at the end of Ramadan — paid before the Eid prayer, for every Muslim in the household. The Prophet ﷺ described its two purposes: purification of the fasting person from shortcomings in their fast, and food for the poor so they can celebrate Eid (Abu Dawud 1609). It is approximately 2.5-3 kg of staple food (or monetary equivalent depending on school) per person.
What is the difference between Zakat al-Fitr and Zakat?
Annual Zakat (the third Pillar) is 2.5% of qualifying wealth held for a lunar year, given to eight specific categories. Zakat al-Fitr is a fixed amount of food given annually at the end of Ramadan before Eid prayer, obligatory on every Muslim regardless of wealth (provided they have food beyond immediate need). Annual Zakat can be given any time of year; Zakat al-Fitr has a specific window — before the Eid prayer.
Purification for the fasting person and food for the poor. Two purposes. One small obligation per person. Pay it before the prayer so the poor can celebrate Eid with everyone else.