Zakat al-Fitr calculator
Zakat al-Fitr is one sa‘ of staple food (dates, rice, wheat, barley…) for each member of the household, given before the Eid al-Fitr prayer. Enter the number of people and, if you pay in money, the price of one kilogram of your staple food.
Who pays it?
Every Muslim who has food beyond his needs for the day and night of Eid pays it for himself and for those he supports: spouse, children (including babies born before the end of Ramadan) and other dependants. It purifies the fasting person from idle talk and feeds the poor on the day of Eid (Abu Dawud).
How much is one sa‘?
The sa‘ is a measure of volume equal to four double handfuls. Converted into weight it is about 2 to 3 kg depending on the food and the method; many institutions use 2.5 kg of rice or wheat, others 3 kg as a precaution.
When to give it
The best time is on the morning of Eid before the prayer. It may be given one or two days before Eid, as the Companions did. Giving it after the prayer without an excuse turns it into ordinary charity.
Food or money?
The majority of scholars (Maliki, Shafi‘i, Hanbali) require food, following the hadith. The Hanafi school allows its value in money, which many organisations collect today because it is easier for the poor. Follow the practice of your local mosque or zakat committee.
Zakat al-Fitr: questions
Do I pay for a baby born before Eid?
Yes, for any child born before the sunset that ends Ramadan. Paying for a baby still in the womb is recommended but not obligatory.
Can I give it to someone in another country?
It is best given to the poor where you live; many scholars allow sending it elsewhere when the need is greater there.
How much is Zakat al-Fitr in money this year?
It depends on the price of staple food where you live. Mosques and zakat committees publish an amount each Ramadan; the calculator multiplies your local price by the weight of a sa‘.