Zakat al-Fitr (fitrana): who pays, how much and when
Zakat al-fitr (fitrana) is a small charity every Muslim pays at the end of Ramadan, for themselves and their dependants, before the Eid prayer. In 2027, Eid al-Fitr is expected on Tuesday, 9 March 2027. Here is who pays, how much, when, and how it differs from zakat.
Last updated: 4 October 2026
What is zakat al-fitr?
Ibn ‘Abbas said: “The Messenger of Allah ﷺ made zakat al-fitr obligatory as a purification for the fasting person from idle and indecent talk, and as food for the poor. Whoever pays it before the prayer, it is accepted zakat; whoever pays it after the prayer, it is ordinary charity” (Sunan Abi Dawud 1609, graded hasan).
Zakat al-fitr and zakat compared
| Zakat al-fitr | Zakat (al-mal) | |
|---|---|---|
| Who pays | Every Muslim with more than a day’s needs, for each family member | Those whose wealth is above the nisab for a lunar year |
| Amount | One sa‘ of food per person, or its value | 2.5% of zakatable wealth |
| When | Before the Eid al-Fitr prayer | Once a lunar year, on your zakat date |
To calculate zakat on your wealth, use our zakat calculator.
Paying it in the UK
- Pay through your mosque or a registered Muslim charity, which will distribute it before Eid, in the UK or abroad.
- Pay for every member of your household, including children.
- Pay early enough to reach those in need before Eid.
For the day itself, see Eid al-Fitr and Eid al-Adha and the Eid prayer; for the month, Ramadan 2027 UK.
Frequently asked questions
How much is zakat al-fitr in the UK?
It is one sa‘ (about 2.5–3 kg) of staple food per person, or its value in money in the Hanafi school. UK mosques and charities announce an amount each year, typically around £5 to £10 per person. Check with your mosque for this year’s figure.
Who pays zakat al-fitr?
Every Muslim who has food beyond what they and their family need for the day of Eid pays for themselves and those they support: children, spouse and other dependants. It is paid even for a baby born before the Eid prayer.
When should I pay zakat al-fitr?
Before the Eid al-Fitr prayer. The Companions paid it a day or two before Eid (Sahih al-Bukhari 1511), and many UK charities accept it throughout Ramadan so it reaches people in time. Paid after the prayer, it counts as ordinary charity.
Can I pay zakat al-fitr in money?
The Hanafi school, which most UK South Asian communities follow, allows paying its value in money. The other schools prefer food; many UK charities buy and distribute food on your behalf, which satisfies both views.
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