Zakat al-Fitr is a mandatory charitable payment due from every eligible Muslim at the end of Ramadan, given on behalf of each household member before the Eid prayer. It purifies the fast from any shortcomings and helps the less fortunate celebrate Eid with dignity.
What Is Zakat al-Fitr?
Zakat al-Fitr (also known as Fitrana or Sadaqat al-Fitr) is a fixed charitable payment due from every Muslim who has more than their basic food needs at the end of Ramadan. Unlike regular Zakat, it isn't based on savings or annual wealth.
Its purpose is twofold: to purify the fasting person from any shortcomings during Ramadan, and to provide food for the poor so they can celebrate Eid without hardship. It becomes due at sunset on the last day of Ramadan and must be paid before the Eid prayer, though it's best given in Ramadan's final days to make sure it reaches people in time.
Who Has to Pay Zakat al-Fitr?
Every Muslim who has enough food or wealth beyond their own and their dependents' basic needs for one day and night at the end of Ramadan must pay Zakat al-Fitr. It's a flat, per-person payment rather than a percentage, paid on behalf of:
- Yourself
- Your spouse
- Your children
- Any financially dependent relatives, such as elderly parents in your care
The head of household typically pays on behalf of everyone. For example: a single person owes one payment, a couple owes two, a family of four owes four, and a family of five owes five. Even a newborn born before sunset on the last day of Ramadan is included, with the payment made by their guardian.
How Much Is Zakat al-Fitr in 2027?
Zakat al-Fitr is traditionally paid as one sa' (roughly 2.6 to 3kg) of a staple food such as wheat, rice, dates or barley. Most UK charities now offer a cash equivalent instead, estimated at around £5 per person for 2027 (likely between £4 and £6, to be confirmed closer to Ramadan).
- Single person: £5
- Couple: £10
- Family of four: £20
- Family of five: £25
When and How Should I Give Zakat al-Fitr?
Zakat al-Fitr must be given before the Eid prayer. If it's paid afterwards without a valid excuse, it counts as general charity rather than Zakat al-Fitr, so it's best given in Ramadan's final days to allow time for proper distribution. To fulfil it correctly:
- Make a clear intention that the payment is Zakat al-Fitr
- Ensure it reaches eligible poor and needy Muslims
- Give early enough in Ramadan for it to be distributed on time
A cash equivalent given to a trusted charity is widely accepted today. Platforms like MyTenNights and MyFridays can help you organise your Zakat al-Fitr in advance so it's paid and distributed on time.
What's the Difference Between Zakat and Zakat al-Fitr?
Zakat and Zakat al-Fitr are both obligatory, but they differ in timing, calculation and purpose.
- Zakat: an annual payment based on wealth, 2.5% of qualifying savings above the nisab threshold, due once a full lunar year has passed, supporting the categories of recipients set out in the Qur'an.
- Zakat al-Fitr: due at the end of Ramadan, a fixed small amount per person, required from anyone with a basic surplus of food or means, given before the Eid prayer specifically so the poor can celebrate Eid.
If you're unsure how much Zakat you owe on your savings, use our Zakat calculator to work it out.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I pay Zakat al-Fitr in cash instead of food?
Yes. While it was traditionally paid as a measure of staple food, most UK charities now calculate and accept a cash equivalent, which is widely considered valid today.
What happens if I pay Zakat al-Fitr after the Eid prayer?
Without a valid excuse, a payment made after the Eid prayer counts as general Sadaqah (voluntary charity) rather than Zakat al-Fitr, so it's best paid in the final days of Ramadan.
How much is Zakat al-Fitr for a family of four in 2027?
Based on the estimated 2027 UK rate of around £5 per person, a family of four would owe approximately £20 in total.
Is Zakat al-Fitr the same as Zakat?
No. Zakat is an annual 2.5% payment on qualifying wealth above the nisab threshold, while Zakat al-Fitr is a small fixed amount per person, due at the end of Ramadan regardless of savings.
Zakat al-Fitr is the final act that completes Ramadan, a reminder that fasting is meant to cultivate empathy, generosity and responsibility toward the wider Ummah, so that no one is left behind on Eid.
