Zakatul Fitr: What you need to know

With Ramadhan coming to a close in a few days, focus is now turning to Zakatul Fitr, the charitable donation that must be offered at the end of Ramadhan before the Eid prayers.

It is mandatory for all adult Muslims who are financially able to pay Zakatul fitr. The head of the household must also give on behalf of their spouse, children including newborns, and dependants.

The practice ensures that even the poorest of people have the means to be able to enjoy the Eid ul Fitr, the celebrations which mark the end of the fasting period of Ramadhan.

The amount of Zakat is calculated as one sa’a (a measurement equivalent to approximately 2.5 to 3 kilograms) of the local staple food. According to scholars, the best option is to give Zakatul Fitr in the form of the staple food consumed in a particular locality such as rice or flour. This is because Zakat al-Fitr is meant to be a source of sustenance for the poor, so it makes sense to give them something they can use and enjoy.

Zakat Kenya has set Sh650 as the amount to be paid for each person as Zakatul Fitr.

The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) said:
”The Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) ordained Zakat al-Fitr as a purification for the fasting person from idle talk and obscenities, and as food for the poor.” (Sunan Abi Dawud)

Zakatul Fitr holds deep spiritual and social significance. It serves as a form of purification, cleansing the fasting person from any shortcomings during Ramadhan, while also expressing gratitude to Allah.

More importantly, it ensures that the less fortunate can celebrate Eid with dignity, reinforcing Islam’s principles of social responsibility, compassion and collective well-being.

The charitable donation is primarily given to the poor and needy, though it can also be distributed to the same eight categories of Zakat recipients outlined in the Quran.

Zakatul Fitr can be paid through credible organisations such as Zakat Kenya, or other organizations, for redistribution to the deserving making it convenient for families to pay the charity on time.

It is necessary to pay Zakat ul-fitr before the ‘Eid prayer otherwise it would be counted as voluntary charity and to give it out to the categories of.

In addition to Zakatul Fitr which is only paid at the end of Ramadhan, the obligatory charity Zakat is paid every year as per the economic capability of a person.