Step by Step Guide on Zakat al Fitr in 2023
The following provides detailed descriptions on how Zakat al Fitr works and how to calculate it. Always consult your local Mufti or Masjid for more clarifications as needed.
Please note, the current nisab (threshold) for 5th February 2023 is US$470.40 (silver) and US$5595.96 (gold)
Zakat al Fitr also referred to as Fitrana or Sadaqatul Fitr is a compulsory charity given to the needy before the Eid al Fitr prayer. The purpose is to help ensure as much of the Muslim community enjoys the festivities of Eid and that donors are offered ways to purify their fasts.
Distribution of Zakat al Fitr as with Zakat in general should start with family first and then out to further as needed. The particular people that can benefit from the zakat are stipulated in the Qur’an (9:60). These are the poor, the needy, for those employed to administer it, for those whose hearts are attracted ˹to the faith˺, for ˹freeing˺ slaves, for those in debt, for Allah’s cause, and for ˹needy˺ travelers
Zakat al Fitr is mandatory upon every free Muslim that possesses above the nisab (threshold).
You can calculate nisab (threshold) in one of two ways 1) gold or 2) silver. The gold nisab is 3 ounces of gold and the silver nisab is 21 ounces of silver. If you have either one of these in your possession at the time of zakat al fitr is required, then you are eligible to pay zakat al fitr.
You can calculate nisab in one of two ways gold or silver. The gold nisab is 3 ounces of gold and the silver nisab is 21 ounces of silver.
At the 1st February 2023, the gold price per ounce in US dollars is US$1,988.51 (see here). Therefore the gold nisab is US$5965.53
At the 1st February 2023, the silver price per ounce in US dollars is US$26.20 (see here). Therefore the silver nisab is US$550.20.
It is preferred to use the silver nisab of US$550.20 as your threshold for zakat because it is the safer option and ensures more people enjoy zakat.
The guardian is required to pay the zakat al fitr from his/her own money and for any dependent household members. This includes the elderly, sick, dependent partners, and even the child in the womb.
Zakat al fitr must be paid before the eid al fitr pray which is a few hours after fajr salat on the 1st of Shawaal (that is, the first day after Ramadan). The best time to pay the zakat al fitr is between Fajr and the Eid al fitr prayer. Some scholars have given evidences for the validity to pay zakat al fitr from the beginning of Ramadan or even prior to that. It is important to note, if Zakat al Fitr is not payed by Eid al Fitr, then the opportunity is missed for the year and any delayed payment is considered sadaqah (voluntary charity).
The hadith literally states that zakat al fitr can be paid in wheat, dates, barely, raisins or in the local staples. The amount to be paid is equivalent to one Sa’a or four double handfuls (approximately 2.6 kg). The cash equivalent is the current market value of two meals.
In terms of currency, some scholars particularly the Hanafi position, validate giving money instead. This point is stressed when if it is more beneficial for the poor or needy to receive the cash payment rather than the food itself.
Indeed the zakat al fitr can be paid to a charity online. It is important to remember that if the zakat al fitr is paid to an intermediary like a charity, that the payment is made early so the beneficiaries can receive the payments on time.