What Is Zakat al-Fitr?
Zakat al-Fitr — also called Sadaqat al-Fitr, Fitrana, or simply Fitra — is an obligatory charity that every Muslim must pay before the Eid al-Fitr prayer at the end of Ramadan. It serves two purposes: to purify the fasting person from any idle talk or inappropriate behavior during the month, and to provide food for the poor so they can share in the celebration of Eid.
The obligation comes from a hadith of Ibn Abbas (may Allah be pleased with him): "The Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) ordained Zakat al-Fitr as a purification for the fasting person from idle talk and obscene speech, and as food for the poor. Whoever pays it before the Eid prayer, it is an accepted zakat. Whoever pays it after the prayer, it is just a sadaqah." (Abu Dawud, Ibn Majah)
How Much Is Zakat al-Fitr?
The amount is one sa' (approximately 2.5 to 3 kilograms) of a staple food per person. In the time of the Prophet (peace be upon him), this was measured in dates, barley, wheat, or raisins. Today, it is typically measured in the staple food of your region — rice, wheat, flour, or dates.
Most scholars and Islamic organizations also accept a cash equivalent, calculated based on the local price of the staple food. The exact cash amount varies by country and is usually announced each year by the relevant religious authority or Islamic organization in your area.
Each person in the household counts separately. The head of the family pays on behalf of all dependents, including children, the elderly, and anyone they are responsible for.
When Should Fitrana Be Paid?
Zakat al-Fitr becomes obligatory at sunset on the last day of Ramadan (the night before Eid). It must be paid before the Eid al-Fitr prayer. Paying it one or two days before Eid is recommended so that there is time to distribute it to those in need before the prayer.
If paid after the Eid prayer, it no longer counts as Zakat al-Fitr — it becomes ordinary sadaqah (voluntary charity). The obligation to pay remains, but the specific reward and purpose of fitrana is lost. For this reason, it should never be delayed past the Eid prayer.
Who Must Pay Zakat al-Fitr?
Every Muslim who has food in excess of their needs for the day and night of Eid is obligated to pay Zakat al-Fitr. Unlike zakat on wealth, there is no nisab threshold — even those with modest means should pay if they have surplus food or its equivalent.
The head of the household pays on behalf of all dependents: spouse, children (including newborns born before Eid), elderly parents living under their care, and any other dependents. Some scholars also recommend paying on behalf of an unborn child if the mother is expecting.
Who Can Receive Zakat al-Fitr?
Zakat al-Fitr is given to the poor and needy — those who do not have enough food for the day of Eid. The primary purpose is to ensure that every member of the Muslim community can celebrate Eid without worrying about food.
It should be distributed locally where possible, so that the poor in your own community benefit directly. If there are no eligible recipients nearby, it can be sent to another area where the need is greater.
Zakat vs Zakat al-Fitr — What Is the Difference?
| Zakat | Zakat al-Fitr | |
|---|---|---|
| What it is | Annual payment of 2.5% on accumulated wealth | Fixed amount of food (or its cash value) per person |
| Who pays | Muslims whose wealth exceeds the nisab for one lunar year | Every Muslim with food beyond their needs for Eid day |
| When due | After holding wealth above nisab for one full lunar year | Before the Eid al-Fitr prayer at the end of Ramadan |
| How much | 2.5% of net zakatable wealth | Approximately 2.5–3 kg of staple food per person |
| Calculated on | Gold, silver, cash, investments, business assets | Number of people in the household |
| Purpose | Purify wealth and support those in need year-round | Purify the fast and feed the poor on Eid day |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is zakat al-fitr in Islam?
Zakat al-Fitr (also called Fitrana or Fitra) is an obligatory charity paid by every Muslim before the Eid al-Fitr prayer at the end of Ramadan. It is a fixed amount of food — approximately 2.5 to 3 kg of a staple food — or its cash equivalent, paid per person in the household.
How much is fitrana per person?
Fitrana is one sa' of staple food per person, which equals approximately 2.5 to 3 kilograms of rice, wheat, dates, or the staple food of your region. The cash equivalent varies by country and year. Check with your local Islamic authority or mosque for the current amount in your area.
When should fitrana be paid?
Fitrana must be paid before the Eid al-Fitr prayer. It becomes obligatory at sunset on the last day of Ramadan. Paying it one or two days before Eid is recommended to allow time for distribution. If paid after the Eid prayer, it counts as regular sadaqah, not fitrana.
Can zakat al-fitr be paid in cash?
Most scholars and Islamic organizations accept cash as a valid form of Zakat al-Fitr, especially in modern times where cash is more practical for recipients. The cash amount should equal the value of approximately 2.5 to 3 kg of the local staple food. Some scholars of the Hanbali and Shafi'i schools prefer payment in food items.
Do you pay fitrana for children?
Yes. The head of the household pays fitrana for every dependent, including children — even newborns born before the Eid prayer. Some scholars also recommend paying for an unborn child. Each person counts as one unit of fitrana.
What is the difference between zakat and fitrana?
Zakat is an annual 2.5% payment on accumulated wealth above the nisab threshold. Fitrana (Zakat al-Fitr) is a fixed amount of food or cash per person, paid once a year before the Eid al-Fitr prayer. Zakat is based on your wealth; fitrana is based on the number of people in your household.
What happens if you miss paying fitrana before Eid prayer?
If fitrana is not paid before the Eid prayer, it becomes ordinary sadaqah (voluntary charity) rather than the obligatory Zakat al-Fitr. The specific reward and purpose of purifying the fast is lost. However, the payment should still be made — do not skip it simply because the prayer has passed.
Is fitrana obligatory on the poor?
Zakat al-Fitr is obligatory on every Muslim who has food beyond their needs for the day and night of Eid. Unlike zakat on wealth, there is no nisab threshold. However, someone who truly has no surplus food is exempt. The bar is much lower than for zakat on wealth.
Related: Zakat on Wealth
Zakat al-Fitr and Zakat on wealth are separate obligations with different rules. If you also need to calculate your annual zakat on gold, savings, and investments, use our free calculator.
Zakat Calculator — Calculate Your Zakat on Gold, Savings & Assets →