Zakat al-Fitr

Before the Eid al-Fitr prayer at the end of Ramadan, every adult Muslim who possesses food in excess of their needs must pay Zakat al-Fitr. The head of household can also pay Zakat al-Fitr for their dependants such as children, babies expected before the Eid, servants and any dependent relatives.

Zakat al-Fitr can be paid during Ramadan, before Eid al-Fitr prayers at the latest, so that the poor can enjoy the day of Eid.

The minimum amount due is the equivalent of about 2 kg of wheat flour, rice or other staple foodstuffs, per member of the household, including dependants, even if they do not live in the same house. Approximately £5/US$7/CAD$10 per head is a safe estimated amount.

Recipients of zakat al-Fitr are the poor and those in need – the same people entitled to receive general zakat. Global Islamic acts as your charitable agent, using your Zakat al-Fitr to buy and distribute food on your behalf.

Abdullah Ibn ‘Umar said that the Holy Prophet (peace be upon him) ordered the people to pay Zakat al Fitr before going to the Eid prayer. (Hadith, Bukhari)