Zakat al-Fitr: The obligatory Eid donation to be made by the end of Ramadan

By the end of the holy month of Ramadan, Muslims are obligated to pay Zakat al-Fitr, also known as Sadaqat al-Fitr. Zakat al-Fitr is a small amount of money given to the poor and needy before the Eid al-Fitr prayer.
For all the latest headlines follow our Google News channel online or via the app.
The purpose of this donation is to help those in need celebrate and enjoy the Muslim Eid al-Fitr holiday which marks the end of the month of Ramadan.
Zakat a-Fitr is a form of charity distinct from Zakat, one of the five pillars of Islam. While Zakat is calculated based on a person’s wealth and is usually paid once a year, Zakat al-Fitr is paid per person and is a fixed amount determined by Muslim legal scholars.

The amount for Zakat al-Fitr varies depending on the region and the price of food. In most countries, it is equivalent to the cost of one meal or one kilogram of rice or wheat. The amount is usually paid on behalf of every household member, including children and the elderly.
For those living in the UAE and Saudi Arabia the amount to pay for Zakat al-Fitr is $7. Meanwhile in the US, the amount is $12.
Another type of donation is something called “Fidya.” This is a set amount a person must pay for every day he or she can’t face due to illness, old age, etc.
Zakat al-Fitr can be paid in cash or in other ways, such as food or clothing. It is important to note that Zakat al-Fitr should be paid before the Eid prayer, and it is not permissible to delay it. This is because the purpose of Zakat al-Fitr is to help those in need celebrate and enjoy Eid. Delaying the payment would defeat this purpose.

Children receive toys at a gift-giving event, on the first day of the Muslim holiday of Eid al-Fitr in the port city of Sidon, southern Lebanon, May 24, 2020. (Reuters)

Zakat al-Fitr goes to the poor and needy, including widows, orphans, refugees, and people experiencing homelessness. Giving Zakat al-Fitr to those who live in the same community as the giver is preferable, strengthening the bonds of brotherhood and sisterhood among Muslims.
While Zakat al-Fitr is equivalent to a small amount of money, it goes a long way in helping those in need. Not only is it an obligation, but it has many spiritual benefits and is a reminder of the responsibility one has towards other human beings.

Read more:

UAE astronomer confirms Eid al-Fitr dates for 2023

UAE announces Eid al-Fitr holiday dates for private, public sector employees

Saudi Arabia announces Eid al-Fitr holiday dates for private, non-profit sectors