The Hadith Foundation
Ibn ‘Abbas’s narration: “The Prophet (SAW) made Zakat al-Fitr obligatory as a purification for the fasting person from idle talk and obscenity, and as food for the poor.” — Abu Dawud, Ibn Maja (Hasan)
This narration reveals the two purposes:
- Tazkiya (purification): Zakat al-Fitr purifies the fasting person’s Ramadan — compensating for the moments of idle speech, argumentation, or inappropriate behavior that may have diminished the fast’s spiritual value
- Feeding the poor: Ensuring that the poor can also eat well and celebrate Eid
The timing: It must be given before the Eid prayer — giving it after the prayer is still valid as regular sadaqa but does not fulfill the specific obligation of Zakat al-Fitr.
See also: Ramadan Guide, Eid Prayer, Sadaqa
The Amount
The classical amount: 1 sa’ (صاع — a volumetric measure approximately 2.5 kg) of staple food — grain, dates, raisins, barley, or cheese. In modern practice, the cash equivalent of 1 sa’ of staple food is widely used.
On whom it is obligatory: On every free Muslim who possesses food beyond their needs for that day and night. The Muslim gives it on behalf of:
- Themselves
- Their spouse
- Their children
- Dependent family members
- (Some scholars: even for an expected baby, if born before Eid Fajr)
Modern calculation: A common approximation is approximately USD $10-15 per person (based on the current local staple food prices), though this varies by community and region.
When to Give It
Earliest permissible time: The start of Ramadan (permitted by Maliki and Hanbali schools as early as the 1st of Ramadan; Shafi’i permits from the first night of Ramadan; Hanafi requires it be within Ramadan but specifies no earliest date)
Best time: The night before Eid or the morning of Eid before the prayer
Obligatory time: Before the Eid prayer
Valid but missed: If given after the Eid prayer, it counts as regular sadaqa but the Zakat al-Fitr obligation has not been fulfilled (though the scholars differ here — the majority hold it should be made up)
To Whom to Give It
The eight categories of zakat recipients (Quran 9:60) apply:
- The poor (fuqara’)
- The destitute (masakin)
- Zakat administrators
- Those whose hearts are to be reconciled (mu’allafat al-qulub)
- Those in bondage
- Those in debt
- In the path of Allah
- The stranded traveler
Priority: The classical scholars give priority to the poor of one’s own community and neighborhood — ensuring the local poor can celebrate Eid. The spirit of Zakat al-Fitr is immediate community nourishment.
Not to the rich: Zakat al-Fitr cannot be given to those who are themselves wealthy enough to give Zakat al-Fitr.
See also: Zakat And Khums, Five Pillars Of Islam, Eid Al Adha, Sunnat Al Nabi
Zakat al-Fitr in Bohra Practice
The Dawoodi Bohra community follows the tradition of giving Zakat al-Fitr to those designated by the Da’i al-Mutlaq’s office — ensuring the charity reaches the most deserving within the community. The Da’i’s office calculates appropriate amounts annually based on current food prices and community needs.
The Bohra Eid experience: For the Bohra community, paying Zakat al-Fitr before Eid prayer is seen as completing Ramadan — the month that began with niyya (intention) and ends with both prayer and charity. The Eid prayer is then attended in a state of spiritual completeness.
See also: Ramadan Guide, Eid Prayer, Dai Al Mutlaq Institution, Barakah And Tabarruk
See also: Ramadan Guide, Eid Prayer, Sadaqa, Zakat And Khums, Five Pillars Of Islam, Eid Al Adha, Sunnat Al Nabi, Dai Al Mutlaq Institution, Barakah And Tabarruk