Calculate your Fitrana for Ramadan ā must be paid before Eid al-Fitr prayer.
ā¹ļø Note: Zakat al-Fitr is separate from Zakat al-Mal (annual wealth Zakat). Every Muslim must pay Fitrana for themselves and their dependents regardless of wealth level. Use our Zakat Calculator for your annual wealth Zakat.
Zakat al-Fitr, also known as Sadaqat al-Fitr or Fitrana, is a mandatory charitable payment that every Muslim must make at the end of Ramadan before the Eid al-Fitr prayer. Unlike Zakat al-Mal, which is an annual wealth tax, Zakat al-Fitr is obligatory on every Muslim regardless of their wealth level ā it is paid on behalf of oneself and all dependents to ensure that everyone can share in the joy of Eid.
The amount of Zakat al-Fitr is defined as one Sa' of staple food. A Sa' is an ancient unit of measurement that scholars have calculated to be approximately 2.5 to 3 kilograms (there is slight variation between schools of thought). The type of food should be the staple food of the local area ā most commonly wheat, rice, barley, or dates.
In monetary terms, Zakat al-Fitr in 2026 typically ranges from $10 to $15 per person in the United States and similar economies. However, the amount varies significantly by location based on local food prices. In some regions, mosque committees or Islamic organizations publish a recommended amount each year.
| Food Type | Weight per Sa' | ~Price (USD) |
|---|---|---|
| Wheat / Flour | 2.75 kg | $8-12 |
| Rice | 2.75 kg | $10-15 |
| Barley | 2.5 kg | $8-12 |
| Dates | 3.0 kg | $15-25 |
Every Muslim who has food in excess of their needs for the day and night of Eid must pay Zakat al-Fitr. This is broader than Zakat al-Mal ā even those who do not meet the Nisab threshold must pay Fitrana. The head of the household pays on behalf of every dependent, including young children, elderly parents in their care, and any other person they financially support.
Zakat al-Fitr must be paid before the Eid al-Fitr prayer. The preferred time according to most scholars is on the last day of Ramadan or the morning of Eid before the prayer. Many scholars permit paying it during the last few days of Ramadan to ensure the funds reach recipients in time. Paying it after the Eid prayer is considered a regular charity (sadaqah) rather than Zakat al-Fitr, though scholars strongly advise against delaying it.
For Ramadan 2026, the last day of fasting is expected around March 18, with Eid al-Fitr on March 19 or 20 (depending on moon sighting). Plan to pay your Fitrana by March 17-18 at the latest.
The majority of scholars, including the Hanafi school, permit paying Zakat al-Fitr in cash equivalent to the value of the staple food. This is often more practical and allows recipients to use the funds for their most pressing needs. Other schools prefer giving actual food items. In practice, most Muslims today pay in cash through their local mosque or an Islamic charity organization, which then distributes the funds to those in need.
These are two separate and distinct obligations. Zakat al-Mal is the annual wealth Zakat calculated at 2.5% on assets above the Nisab threshold ā it is only obligatory on those who meet the wealth threshold. Zakat al-Fitr is a fixed amount per person paid at the end of Ramadan ā it is obligatory on virtually every Muslim regardless of wealth. Paying one does not exempt you from the other. Both must be fulfilled independently.
š Reminder: Zakat al-Fitr ensures that even the poorest members of the community can celebrate Eid with food and dignity. It is a beautiful expression of Islamic solidarity and compassion. Pay early to ensure it reaches those who need it before Eid.