As the blessed month of Ramadan draws to a close, Muslims around the world prepare for the joyous celebration of Eid al-Fitr. Central to this transition is a unique and obligatory act of charity known as Zakat al-Fitr. This timely donation serves a dual purpose: it purifies the fasting person from any shortcomings during the month and ensures that the poorest members of the community can partake in the Eid festivities with dignity and joy.  

What is Zakat al-Fitr (Fitrana)? A Quick Summary

• What it is: An obligatory charity paid by every Muslim who has the means, at the end of the month of Ramadan.  
• Purpose: To purify the fast from any idle talk or foul language and to provide food for the needy on the day of Eid.  
• Who Pays: The head of the household is typically responsible for paying on behalf of themselves and all their dependents, including children and spouses.  
• Amount: One ‘saa” (approximately 2.5-3 kg or 5-7 lbs) of a staple food item like rice, wheat, or dates, or its equivalent monetary value. For 2026, this is estimated to be around $10-15 USD per person in the United States, but the exact cash value varies by location and the price of local food staples.  
• Deadline: It must be paid before the congregational Eid al-Fitr prayer begins.  

Zakat al-Fitr is more than a simple transaction; it is an act deeply embedded with spiritual and social significance. Its wisdom is multifaceted, addressing the purification of the individual worshipper and the well-being of the entire community.

A Communal Act of Solidarity

The second core objective of Zakat al-Fitr is “to provide sustenance for the needy”. This highlights the profound social dimension of the charity. The goal is to ensure that every member of the community, especially the most vulnerable, can celebrate the day of Eid without the anxiety of hunger or the indignity of having to ask for help. By providing for their essential needs, Zakat al-Fitr allows the poor to share in the collective joy of the day, fostering a powerful sense of unity, dignity, and communal solidarity.  

This charity is known by several names, which all refer to the same obligation.

• Zakat al-Fitr: This is the most common term, literally meaning “the purifying charity of breaking the fast”.  
• Sadaqat al-Fitr: This is another term used in the prophetic traditions, with Sadaqah also meaning charity.  
• Fitrana: This term is widely used in South Asia, particularly in Pakistan and India, to refer to the same charity.  
• Zakat al-Fitrah: This name translates to the “Alms of Human Nature,” emphasizing its universal requirement for every Muslim.  

According to the overwhelming consensus of Islamic scholars, paying Zakat al-Fitr is fard (an absolute obligation) for every Muslim who is able to do so. This ruling is firmly established in the primary sources of Islamic law. The companion Ibn ‘Umar reported that “The Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings be upon him) made Zakat al-Fitr obligatory”. This explicit command, coupled with the unanimous agreement (‘ijma’) of scholars throughout history, solidifies its status as a non-negotiable duty.  

The obligation of Zakat al-Fitr is broad, encompassing almost every member of the Muslim community.

The duty to pay Zakat al-Fitr rests upon every Muslim who possesses the means to do so. The threshold is defined as having a surplus of food or wealth beyond one’s own and one’s family’s essential needs for the day and night of Eid. This makes the obligation far more widespread than the annual Zakat on wealth (Zakat al-Mal),

A key aspect of this charity is that the head of a household is responsible for paying on behalf of all those they are financially obligated to support. This includes:  

• Themselves
• Their spouse
• Their children (including infants and adult children who are not financially independent)
• Other dependents, such as elderly parents living under their care.  

This practice is rooted in the actions of the Prophet’s companions, who would give on behalf of every member of their household, young and old.  

Islamic jurisprudence also addresses several specific scenarios:

• Islamic jurisprudence also addresses several specific scenarios:

  • Unborn Children (Fetus): It is not obligatory to pay Zakat al-Fitr for a fetus. However, it is considered a recommended and praiseworthy act, following the practice of the third Caliph, Uthman ibn Affan.  
  • Orphans: If an orphan possesses their own wealth that meets the threshold, their guardian must pay Zakat al-Fitr on their behalf from that wealth. If the orphan has no wealth, they are exempt.  
  • The Deceased: If a person passes away after sunset on the last day of Ramadan (when the obligation becomes due), Zakat al-Fitr must be paid from their estate before the inheritance is distributed.  

One of the most common questions is about the exact amount to be paid. The calculation is based on a traditional measurement but can be easily translated into modern equivalents.

The amount specified in the prophetic traditions is one saa’ (صاع) of staple food per person. A saa’ is a measure of  volume, not weight, that was used in Medina during the time of the Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ). It is approximately equivalent to the volume of food that can be scooped up with two hands held together, four times.  Understanding that a saa’ is a measure of volume is crucial because the weight of that volume will naturally vary depending on the density of the foodstuff. For example, a saa’ of light flour will weigh less than a saa’ of dense dates. This explains why different organizations and scholars may cite slightly different weights and corresponding cash values.

To provide practical clarity, the following table gives approximate weight equivalents for one saa’ of common staple foods.

These are widely accepted approximations. It is always recommended to be generous to ensure the obligation is fulfilled completely.

For those who opt to pay in cash, the value is determined by the local price of one saa’ of a staple food. The following table provides illustrative estimates for 2026.

These are estimates and can change based on local commodity prices. Please confirm with a local Islamic organization or scholar before paying.

The original and universally accepted method of payment is giving one saa’ of a staple food item. The prophetic traditions explicitly mention items like dates, barley, raisins, and dried yogurt (aqit). A crucial principle, articulated by scholars like Ibn al-Qayyim, is that the food given should be from the common staple of the local region, such as rice in Asia or wheat in Europe, to ensure it is of maximum benefit to the recipients.  

The permissibility of paying in cash is a point of classical and contemporary scholarly debate. It is vital to understand both perspectives to make an informed decision.

• Argument for Cash Permissibility: This view, held by the Hanafi school of jurisprudence and many contemporary scholars and organizations, focuses on the higher objective (maqsad) of the law, which is to relieve the poor of need on the day of Eid. They argue that in modern economies, cash is often more practical and beneficial (maslaha) for the poor. It empowers them to purchase what they need most, which may not be food but could be medicine, clothing, or payment for utilities. Most modern charitable organizations adopt this view for its practicality and benefit to the recipient.  

The timing of the payment is a critical component of Zakat al-Fitr, with specific windows for when it is permissible, preferred, and late.

There is a minor scholarly difference regarding the exact moment the obligation begins.

• One view states it becomes obligatory at sunset on the last day of Ramadan.  
• Another view holds that it becomes obligatory at dawn (Fajr) on the day of Eid.  

This difference has practical implications; for example, if a baby is born between sunset and dawn, they would be liable for Zakat al-Fitr according to the second view but not the first

• Permissible Time: It is permissible to pay Zakat al-Fitr one or two days before Eid. This is based on the practice of the companions, who would give the charity to collectors in advance to facilitate timely distribution. Many scholars also permit paying it any time during the month of(/what-is-ramadan/).  
• Preferred Time: The most recommended and virtuous time to give it is on the morning of Eid, before the congregational Eid prayer.  

Delaying the payment beyond the Eid prayer without a valid excuse is a serious matter. The Prophet (ﷺ) clarified that if it is paid after the prayer, it is not counted as Zakat al-Fitr but rather as a general act of charity (sadaqah). The obligation remains as a debt that must still be paid, and delaying it is considered sinful.

There are two primary scholarly opinions on who is eligible to receive Zakat al-Fitr.

1. Exclusively the Poor and Needy: A second view, held by the Maliki school and prominent scholars like Ibn Taymiyyah, argues that Zakat al-Fitr should be given exclusively to the poor and needy (al-fuqara’ wal-masakin). The reasoning is that the specific purpose of this charity, as stated in the Hadith, is “to feed the poor,” so its distribution should be focused solely on them to fulfill this unique objective for Eid day.