GIVING ZAKĀT AL-FIṬR

 FAJR REMINDER: GIVING ZAKĀT AL-FIṬR

By: Umm Affān

Ramaḍān 28, 1447 (17-March-2026)

Zakāt al-Fiṭr is an obligation upon every sane Muslim who has the means—young or old, male or female, free or slave. Its purpose is profound: it supports the poor and needy among the Muslims, purifies the fasting person from any idle or inappropriate speech uttered during Ramaḍān, draws the servant closer to Allāh, nurtures gratitude toward Him, strengthens one’s Eemān, and brings about colossal reward for our righteous actions. Therefore, anyone who has the capacity should strive to fulfill this obligation.

As for its timing, Zakāt al-Fiṭr may be given one or two days before ‘Eid. However, the most virtuous time to offer it is on the day of ‘Eid before the ‘Eid prayer. Delaying it until after the prayer is not permissible, and it will not count as Zakāt al-Fiṭr. Ibn ‘Umar (Raḍiyallāhu ‘Anhuma) mentioned that: “The Prophet (ﷺ) enjoined Zakāt al-Fiṭr, a Sā'ā (portion) of dates, or a Sā'ā of barley, upon all Muslims, slave and free, male and female, young and old and he commanded it to be paid before the people went out to pray.” [Ṣaḥīḥ al-Bukhārī 1503, Ṣaḥīḥ Muslim 986]

It is important to understand the measurement used in this obligation. A Mudd is a specific measuring unit, and four Mudds make up one Sā'ā—the amount required per individual. Zakāt al-Fiṭr should be given from the staple foods commonly consumed in one’s locality, such as rice, millet, beans, wheat, and similar items. It is to be distributed among the poor and needy Muslims only, and it may be given to one person or shared among several recipients.

The head of the household bears the responsibility of giving Zakāt al-Fiṭr for himself first, then on behalf of those under his care—his wife, children, and dependents—according to his ability. Abū Sa’īd Al-Khudri (Raḍiyallāhu ‘Anhu) reported: “On behalf of our young and old, free men and slaves, we used to take out during Allāh’s Messenger (ﷺ) lifetime one Sā'ā of grain, cheese or raisins.” [Ṣaḥīḥ al-Bukhārī 1506, Ṣaḥīḥ Muslim 985] 

Regarding the question of giving Zakāt al-Fiṭr in monetary form instead of food, the correct view is that it should be given as food. Shaykh Muḥammad Ibn Ṣāliḥ al-'Uthaymīn (Raḥimahullāh) said: “In my opinion, using money to pay Zakāt al-Fiṭr is impermissible in any circumstance. Food should be given instead. If the poor person wishes, he may sell the food and benefit from the money. As for the one paying Zakāt al-Fiṭr, then he must give food.” [Majmū' Fatāwā wā Rasā'il al-'Uthaymīn, vol. 18, pg. 277]

Likewise, Shaykh Ṣāliḥ Ibn Fawzān al-Fawzān (Ḥafiẓahullāh) emphasized: “As for paying the value of Zakāt al-Fiṭr, then it is in opposition to the Sunnah. This is unacceptable as there are no reports of the Prophet (ﷺ) or the Companions (Raḍiyallāhu ‘Anhu) ever paying its value.” [Al-Mulakkhaṣ al-Fiqhī, pg. 353]

Therefore, one should not be misled by opinions that favor substituting money in place of the food prescribed in the Sunnah. It is essential to adhere to the guidance of the Prophet (ﷺ) in this matter.

I beseech Allāh to grant us the ability to fulfill this obligation correctly and to accept it from us. Aameen.