Zakat al-Fitr: A Small Act with a Big Impact
During the holy month of Ramadan, many of us strive to spread acts of kindness, strengthen our connection with Allah through prayer and offer charity. Amid the busy Ramadan routine, it's easy to forget to pay Zakat al-Fitr.
Zakat al-Fitr is a small but significant obligation for all Muslims during Ramadan. It involves giving a portion of food to those in need and must be paid before the Eid prayers.
Ibn Abbas (may Allah be pleased with him) said:
“The Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) ordained Zakat ul Fitr [Fitrana] to purify the fasting person from indecent words or actions, and to provide food for the needy." (Abu Dawud and Ibn Majah)
Below are some commonly asked questions about Zakat al-Fitr:
What is the meaning of Zakat-al-Fitr?
Zakat al-Fitr, also known as Sadaqat al-Fitr or Zakat al-Fitrana, in Arabic translates to, ‘the Charity of Breaking the Fast’.
Why is Zakat al-Fitr paid?
The main purpose of Zakat al-Fitr is to provide those who fast with the means of making up for their mistakes during the month of fasting. It ensures the poor can celebrate Eid al-Fitr with the rest of the Ummah.
Who must pay Zakat al-Fitr?
Any Muslim who has excess food must pay Zakat al-Fitr. This means that, unlike Zakat, it is a duty on everyone in your household. The head of the household can pay it on behalf of other family members.
Do children have to pay Zakat al-Fitr?
Zakat al-Fitr should be paid by the household head on behalf of children and babies.
When should Zakat al-Fitr be paid?
Zakat al-Fitr is exclusive to the month of Ramadan and can be paid any time after the start of the holy month. However, the payment be made before Eid al-Fitr prayers so that the needy can benefit in time for Eid al-Fitr.
Ibn Abbas narrates:
"It is accepted as Zakat for the person who gives it before the Eid prayer; but it is a mere Sadaqah for the one who gives it after the prayer." (Abu Dawud)
Can Zakat al-Fitr be paid late if I forget?
Zakat al-Fitr must be paid before Eid prayers. However, if you forget to pay it before the prayer, it is still possible to pay it late, it will be treated simply as Sadaqah and the reward will be lesser.
What are the benefits of Zakat al-Fitr?
The obvious benefits of Zakat al-Fitr is that it provides food for the poor and cleanses us of wrongdoings committed during Ramadan. However, there is a much deeper significance of this charity. It humbles us by showing us that our money is a blessing from Allah (swt). Even as we are preoccupied with Eid preparations, we are urged to think about our brothers and sisters around the world who are struggling, so they too can look forward to Eid al-Fitr celebrations.
Can Zakat al-Fitr be paid in cash?
At the time of the Prophet (saw) Zakat al-Fitr would be given as one Sa’a (approximately a handful) of a staple food to those in need. Abu Saeed narrates:
"We used to give for Zakat al-Fitr…one Sa’a of food, or one Sa’a of dried yogurt, or one Sa’a of barley, or one Sa’a of dates, or one Sa’a of raisins." (Bukhari)
In 2025 however, many tend to make their Zakar al-Fitr contribution monetarily and online.
How is the amount of Zakat al-Fitr calculated?
One Sa’a is equivalent to four Madd, and a Madd is the amount that can be scooped up in two hands.
If we translate this into a cash value based upon the price of a staple food such as flour or rice in Canada, it equates to between $5-10.
How does Muslim Hands distribute Zakat al-Fitr?
Our local experts engage with underprivileged communities, and identify those with the greatest need. Once they are identified, your funds are used to buy food and are distributed among deserving families. Our years of experience handling your Zakat and Sadaqah make us skilled at finding the most eligible candidates and communities.
What is the difference between Zakat and Zakat al-Fitr?
Zakat is the third pillar of Islam. It reflects the amount of wealth Muslims must pay to the underprivileged if their annual wealth exceeds a specific amount.
Zakat is an important obligation we must fulfill as Muslims, an act of worship for which we are accountable to Allah (swt).
While both Zakat and Zakat al-Fitr involve charitable giving, Zakat is an obligatory annual payment based on accumulated wealth, whereas Zakat al-Fitr is charity associated with Ramadan and Eid al-Fitr, paid by every Muslim who possesses food over their basic needs.
To learn all the facts around Zakat, read the article Five-Step Guide to Zakat.
Zakat al-Fitr may seem like a small act, but it has a big impact and great reward. Therefore, we must ensure we fulfill this important obligatory duty. Make sure you don’t miss the deadline! Pay your Zakat al Fitr online with Muslim Hands .
