What is Zakat Al-Fitr?

Zakat Al-Fitr is a small charitable donation that Muslims are obliged to pay at the end of Ramadan. The origin of the obligation can be dated to the month of Sha`ban in the second year of Hijrah. Ibn `Umar said: “Allah’s Messenger enjoined the payment of one Sa` of dates or one Sa` of barley as Zakat Al-Fitr on every Muslim slave or free, male or female, young or old, and he ordered that it should be paid before the people went out to offer the `Eid prayer.”

When is Zakat Al-Fitr paid?

It is not permissible to delay giving Zakat Al-Fitr after Salatul Eid. Most scholars believe that it is permissible to pay Zakat Al-Fitr a day or two before Eid. Ibn Umar reported that the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) ordered them to pay Zakat Al-Fitr before the people went out to perform the `Eid prayer. However, some scholars like Al-Shafii & Abu Hanifa reported that it is permissible to pay Zakat Al-Fitr even in the beginning of Ramadan. Scholars who supported this opinion explained that it is better for the needy, and also to make sure that the payment reaches its intended destination. This is especially important these days as Zakat Al-Fitr is transferred from one country to another and that may take at least several days.

To make your Zakat Al-Fitr donation, click here.