Zakat al-Fitr is a mandatory charity for Muslims to purify their fast and help the poor celebrate Eid al-Fitr.
📏 Measurement (How much to give)
Traditionally, it is measured as 1 Ṣāʿ (صاع) of staple food.
✔️ In practical terms:
About 2.5 – 3 kg of staple food per person
Common foods:
Rice
Garri
Beans
Maize
Wheat
💰 Can it be given as money?
Many scholars today allow giving cash equivalent, especially in places like Nigeria where it is more useful.
The amount depends on the current price of food, often ranging (example) between:
₦1,000 – ₦3,000+ per person (varies by location and cost of living)
👤 Who Must Pay (Eligible to Give)
A Muslim must pay Zakat al-Fitr if:
They are Muslim
They have more food or wealth than they need for themselves and dependents on the day/night of Eid
🧾 You pay for:
Yourself
Your spouse
Your children
Anyone you are responsible for (dependents)
Even a baby born before Eid should be included.
🤲 Who Can Receive (Eligible Beneficiaries)
Zakat al-Fitr is given mainly to the poor and needy, similar to general zakat categories.
Eligible recipients include:
The poor (fuqara) – those with little or no income
The needy (masakin) – those struggling to meet basic needs
Some scholars also allow other categories mentioned in the Qur’an (Surah At-Tawbah 9:60), but for Zakat al-Fitr, priority is: 👉 feeding the poor so they can enjoy Eid
❌ Who Cannot Receive It
You cannot give Zakat al-Fitr to:
Yourself
Your parents or grandparents
Your children or grandchildren
Your spouse
Wealthy people
⏰ When to Give
Best time: Before Eid prayer
Permissible: 1–2 days before Eid
If delayed until after Eid prayer → it becomes normal charity (sadaqah), not Zakat al-Fitr
📝 Summary
Amount: ~2.5–3 kg of food or cash equivalent
Who pays: Every Muslim with enough means
Who receives: Poor and needy
Time: Before Eid prayer