Zakat al-Fitr (Fitrana): Who to Give, Who Not to Give, How to Calculate

Warda Shahid

March 26, 2025

Clear guidelines on who is eligible to receive zakat al-fitr, who is not, and how to calculate the required amount using traditional or modern methods.

Zakat al-Fitr, also known as Fitrana, is a mandatory form of charity given by every self-supporting Muslim who has extra food for themselves and their family on the day and night of Eid.

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Its purpose is to help feed the poor during Eid and ensure that everyone can enjoy the celebration.

Who Can Receive Zakat al-Fitr?

Zakat al-Fitr should be given to those in immediate need. Eligible recipients include:

The Poor (Fuqara’): Those who lack necessities and do not beg for assistance.
The Needy (Masakin): People facing extreme hardship who require support to meet their basic needs.
Those in Debt (Gharimin): Individuals burdened by legitimate debt that they cannot repay.
Travelers (Ibnus Sabil): Stranded individuals in need of help to return home.
New Muslims (Mu’allafatul Qulub): In certain cases, those whose hearts are inclined toward Islam may also receive zakat al-Fitr.
Designated Collectors (Amil): Officials appointed to collect and distribute zakat, if necessary.

Priority should be given to the poor and needy, ensuring they can celebrate Eid with the support they need.

Who Cannot Receive Zakat al-Fitr?

Certain groups are not eligible to receive zakat al-Fitr:

Wealthy Muslims: Those who already have sufficient resources for Eid and beyond.
Direct Dependents: This includes parents, grandparents, children, and spouses, for whom families are responsible.
Non-Muslims: Generally, zakat al-Fitr is not given to non-Muslims, except in very specific, context-dependent cases.
The Prophet’s Family (Ahl al-Bayt): According to some scholarly opinions, zakat al-Fitr should not be given to the descendants of the Prophet.

Timing

Zakat al-Fitr should be paid before the Eid prayer, ideally one or two days in advance, so that the funds can be used to feed the poor on Eid day.

How to Calculate Zakat al-Fitr

Determine the Amount Per Person:

Traditional Method: Give one sa of the staple food of your region (for example, rice, wheat, or dates). One sa is generally estimated to be about 2.5 to 3 kilograms, though this amount may vary slightly according to local scholarly guidance.
Modern Method: Many scholars allow the payment of the monetary equivalent of one sa` of food. Local Islamic authorities typically announce the current rate each year.

Calculate for Your Household:

Every Muslim in the household, including dependents, must pay the required amount. For instance, if your household consists of four individuals and the rate is determined to be a certain amount per person, your total contribution would be four times that rate.

Paying zakat al-Fitr is an important act of charity that allows all Muslims to celebrate Eid with dignity, knowing that the less fortunate are also supported during this blessed time.