As Ramadan draws to a close, there is one final act of giving that completes the month.
Zakat al-Fitr is a mandatory charitable payment given at the end of Ramadan. It is required from every eligible Muslim (those who have enough food or wealth beyond their basic needs), and it’s paid on behalf of each member of the household, before the Eid prayer.
While the amount is small, its impact is profound. It allows the less fortunate to celebrate Eid with dignity, purifies our fasting from imperfections, and reinforces that Ramadan is not just about personal worship, but collective care.
This guide will walk you through what Zakat al-Fitr is, who needs to pay it, and how much you should give in 2027.
What Is Zakat al-Fitr?
Zakat al-Fitr, also known as Fitrana or Sadaqat al-Fitr, is a compulsory charity, specifically donated during Ramadan.
Unlike regular Zakat, it is not based on your savings or annual wealth. It is due from every Muslim who has more than their basic food needs at the end of Ramadan.
Its purpose is twofold:
- To purify any shortcomings in our fasting
- To provide food for the poor so they can celebrate Eid without hardship
The Prophet, peace be upon him, prescribed it as a means of cleansing the fast from idle talk and mistakes, and as nourishment for the needy.
Zakat al-Fitr becomes due at sunset on the last day of Ramadan and must be paid before the Eid prayer. It can also be given in the final days of Ramadan to ensure it reaches those in need in time. Using a platform like MyTenNights can help you organise your Ramadan giving in advance, so your Zakat al-Fitr is fulfilled on time and with clarity, alongside your wider Zakat and Sadaqah.
Who Has to Pay Zakat al-Fitr?
Zakat al-Fitr is required from every Muslim who has enough food or wealth beyond their own and their dependants’ basic needs for one day and night at the end of Ramadan. In simple terms, if you have sufficient means to cover your essentials for Eid, this obligation applies to you.
Unlike annual Zakat, which is based on accumulated wealth, Zakat al-Fitr is a flat, per-person payment. It is not calculated as a percentage. Instead, it is paid on behalf of each individual in your household.
This means:
- You pay for yourself
- You pay for your spouse
- You pay for your children
- You pay for anyone financially dependent on you, such as elderly parents in your care
The head of the household typically takes responsibility for making the payment on behalf of everyone.
For example:
- A single person makes one payment
- A married couple makes two payments
- A family of four makes four payments
- A family of five makes five payments
This structure reinforces that Zakat al-Fitr is not just an individual act, but a collective responsibility within the home. It ensures that every member of the Muslim community, regardless of age or income, contributes in some way to supporting those in need before Eid arrives.
Even newborn babies born before sunset on the last day of Ramadan are included, with the payment made on their behalf by their guardian. The spirit of Zakat al-Fitr is inclusion, care, and shared accountability within the household and the wider Ummah.
It is a small amount per person, but when multiplied across households and communities, its impact becomes powerful.
How Much Is Zakat al-Fitr in 2026?
Traditionally, Zakat al-Fitr is set at one saʿ of staple food, which is approximately 2.6 to 3 kilograms of items such as wheat, rice, dates, or barley.
Today, most UK charities provide a cash equivalent to simplify giving.
For 2027, UK-based charities are currently estimating around £5 per person, though the exact amount may vary slightly between £4 and £6. The confirmed figure is usually announced closer to Ramadan.
Here is what that looks like in practice:
- Single person: £5
- Couple: £10
- Family of 4: £20
- Family of 5: £25
It may seem small. But spiritually, its impact is immense.
When and How Should You Give It?
When giving Zakat al-Fitr, timing is crucial. Zakat al-Fitr must be given before the Eid prayer. If it is paid after Eid salah without a valid excuse, it is counted as general charity rather than Zakat al-Fitr.
The best approach is to give it in the last few days of Ramadan to ensure it reaches the poor in time for Eid. Leaving it until the final morning can risk delays in distribution, especially when charities are handling large volumes of donations.
That’s why there are platforms like MyTenNights and MyFridays to help you organise your Ramadan giving in advance, so your Zakat al-Fitr is paid on time, clearly labelled, and directed to eligible recipients without last-minute stress. Planning ahead allows you to focus on worship in the final days of Ramadan, rather than worrying about whether your obligation has been fulfilled.
To fulfil it correctly, you should:
- Make a clear intention that this payment is Zakat al-Fitr
- Ensure it is distributed to eligible poor and needy Muslims
- Give early enough to allow proper distribution before Eid
While some scholars prefer giving staple food directly, it is widely accepted today to give the cash equivalent to a trusted charity that will purchase and distribute food on your behalf.
What Is the Difference Between Zakat and Zakat al-Fitr?
Many people confuse these two, especially during Ramadan. But they are distinct obligations.
Here is the key difference:
| Zakat | Zakat al-Fitr |
| Annual obligation based on wealth | End-of-Ramadan obligation per person |
| 2.5% of qualifying savings above nisab | Fixed small amount per individual |
| Due once lunar year passes on wealth | Due before Eid prayer |
| Based on financial threshold | Required if you have basic surplus food/means |
| Supports eligible Qur’anic categories | Primarily ensures poor can celebrate Eid |
If you are unsure about your annual Zakat calculation, use our Zakat calculator to ensure you fulfil it accurately.
Giving Zakat al-Fitr During Ramadan with Intention
Ramadan is a month of structured worship. We fast at set times. We stand in prayer at night. We search for Laylatul Qadr with focus and sincerity. Our charity should carry that same level of intention.
Zakat al-Fitr may be a single payment, but it sits within a wider month of generosity. Many Muslims now plan their Ramadan giving thoughtfully, ensuring that their obligations are fulfilled and their voluntary charity is consistent.
Platforms like MyTenNights allow you to automate your Sadaqah across the final ten nights, so you never miss Laylatul Qadr, even if life becomes busy. Alongside this, you can fulfil your annual Zakat, pay your Zakat al-Fitr in the final days, and build a habit of giving that extends beyond Ramadan.
As Ramadan draws to a close, Zakat al-Fitr becomes the final act that completes your month. It reminds us that fasting was never meant to be an isolated act between us and Allah (SWT) alone. It was meant to cultivate empathy, generosity, and responsibility towards the Ummah.
By giving Zakat al-Fitr on time, you help ensure that no one is left behind on Eid. You allow families facing hardship to celebrate with dignity. You seal your Ramadan with compassion.
Looking to organise your Ramadan giving with clarity and intention? MyTenNights helps you plan your Sadaqah alongside your Zakat and Zakat al-Fitr, so your charity is fulfilled on time and with peace of mind.