what is the difference between zakat and zakat al fitr? Over 77% of Muslims worldwide prioritize Zakat, yet many confuse these two pillars (Pew Research, 2021). So, why the mix-up? Zakat is the yearly charity for long-term needs; Zakat al Fitr? A Ramadan-specific gift to feed families before Eid. Think of it this way: one sustains, the other celebrates. But how do you calculate each? Who pays? And can you give Zakat al Fitr in cash? Let’s untangle it all—no jargon, just clarity.
What Is Zakat al Fitr?
Zakat al Fitr is a required charity every Muslim gives at the end of Ramadan. What is Zakat al Fitr? It’s a small donation that must be paid before the Eid prayer. It helps the poor enjoy Eid and cleanses the fasting person from minor mistakes. The amount is fixed—usually 2.5 to 3 kg of staple food or its cash value. It’s not based on wealth. Anyone who has extra food for a day and night must give it. So, what is the difference between zakat and zakat al fitr? Zakat is yearly and depends on savings. Zakat al-Fitr is tied to Ramadan and paid by all.
what is zakat?
Zakat is a required charity in Islam. It’s given yearly from extra wealth, like savings or gold. What is Zakat? It’s 2.5% of your surplus. This helps the poor and balances society. Moreover, it purifies money and strengthens faith. You give when your savings pass the minimum amount, which is called Nisab. Unlike Zakat al-Fitr, which is tied to Eid, Zakat is based on wealth and is due yearly. Therefore, give with care; give with heart.
How to Calculate Zakat and Zakat al Fitr?
Zakat and Zakat al Fitr are both mandatory acts of giving in Islam. However, they have different rules, timing, and amounts. If you’re asking what is the difference between zakat and zakat al-fitr, zakat is based on saved wealth and paid yearly, while zakat al-fitr is tied to Eid and based on food sufficiency.
Zakat (Zakat al-Mal) – Annual Wealth-Based Charity
Who Must Pay Zakat?
- Every adult Muslim
- Has wealth above Nisab for one lunar year
- After debts and basic needs are covered
Nisab in USD (March 2025 estimates):
- 85g of gold ≈ USD 6,300
- 595g of silver ≈ $450
Most scholars recommend using silver Nisab for broader social benefit.
How to Calculate Zakat?
- Add all wealth:
- Cash in hand or bank
- Gold and silver
- Investments
- Business goods
- Rental income
- Subtract any immediate debts
- If the total is above the Nisab, pay 2.5%
- You can pay anytime after one lunar year has passed
- Use a trusted Zakat calculator: This can help ensure accuracy.
- Give to the poor: Donate to those mentioned in the Quran: the poor, the needy, and others.
Zakat Example in USD:
- Savings = $10,000 → Zakat = $250
Zakat al Fitr—Eid Charity
Who Must Pay?
- Every Muslim with enough food for one day and night
- The head of household pays for all dependents
- Pay before the Eid prayer
How to Calculate Zakat al Fitr?
- Based on staple food (rice, wheat, etc.)
- Fixed amount: 2.5 to 3 kg per person
- Or its cash equivalent: $8–USD 15 per person (varies by location and food prices)
- Can be paid during Ramadan, but must be before Eid prayer
- Distribution: Most mosques and charities accept and distribute it on your behalf.
Zakat al Fitr Example:
- Family of 4 → $10 × 4 = $40 USD
Local rates may vary—check with your community for exact amounts.
What Is the Difference Between Zakat and Zakat al Fitr?
Many Muslims confuse these two important types of charity. Both are required, but they follow different rules. If you’ve ever asked what is the difference between zakat and zakat al fitr, here’s a clear and simple guide. It shows when to pay, how much, and why each one matters.
1. Zakat (Annual Charity Based on Wealth)
- Paid once a year, anytime after one full lunar year.
- You pay only if your wealth passes the nisab (minimum limit).
- The amount is 2.5% of total saved wealth.
- Applies to money, gold, business goods, and investments.
- Supports eight groups: the poor, debtors, and others in need.
- Helps with long-term social balance and community support.
2. Zakat al Fitr (Charity for Eid)
- Paid once a year, at the end of Ramadan.
- Due before Eid prayer, preferably a day or two earlier.
- Fixed amount per person, usually 2.5–3 kg of staple food or its cash value.
- Every Muslim must give, even on behalf of dependents.
- Mainly helps poor Muslims celebrate Eid with dignity.
- Cleanses any mistakes made during fasting.
3. Key Differences At a Glance
- Zakat depends on wealth.
- Zakat al-Fitr depends on being able to feed your family.
- Zakat needs calculation.
- Zakat al-Fitr is a fixed, simple amount.
- Zakat supports a wide group.
- Zakat al-Fitr focuses on immediate Eid needs.
- Zakat is about long-term giving.
- Zakat al-Fitr is a one-day act of compassion.
Finally, one purifies your wealth. The other purifies your fast. What is the difference between Zakat and Zakat al Fitr? It comes down to purpose, timing, and who must give. Give both with a full heart—and on time.
Summary Table: Key Differences Between Zakat al-Mal and Zakat al Fitr
| Feature | Zakat al-Mal | Zakat al Fitr |
| Purpose | Purification of wealth, helping the needy throughout the year | Purification of the fasting person, providing food for the needy on Eid |
| Timing | Annually, after Nisab is reached and a lunar year (Hawl) passed | Before Eid al-Fitr prayer, ideally during Ramadan |
| Obligation | Adult, sane Muslim with wealth exceeding Nisab for a year | Every financially able Muslim adult and their dependents |
| Calculation | 2.5% of net zakatable wealth | Fixed amount of staple food or its monetary equivalent ($8–$15 per person or food) |
| Basis | Value of accumulated wealth (gold, silver, cash, investments, business assets, etc.) | Amount of staple food consumed or its equivalent |
How Much Is Zakat al Fitr Per Person?
If you’re preparing to give Zakat al-Fitr in the United States, this guide tells you exactly what you need. It explains the current amount, how to pay it, and when. The answer to how much is zakat al fitr per person is simple, but it can slightly differ depending on where you live. And if you’re asking what is the difference between zakat and zakat al fitr, the key lies in timing, amount, and purpose.
Zakat al Fitr USA 2025
- Most U.S. Islamic centers recommend $12 per person
- The range is usually between $10 and $15, based on local food prices
- This covers 2.5 to 3 kg of staple food like rice, wheat, or dates
- You can give the food directly, or its more common cash value
- The rate is the same for adults and children
- The head of household pays on behalf of all dependents
- You must pay it before the Eid prayer
- However, it’s allowed to pay earlier in Ramadan for easier distribution
- Local mosques and Islamic centers publish updated rates each year
- Rates may vary slightly by state or city, so always check locally
- You can pay through trusted groups like Islamic Relief USA or ICNA Relief
- Payment helps the poor enjoy Eid, and it completes your fasting with a reward
- Give with intention. Give on time. It matters
13 Benefits of Zakat al Fitr You Should Know Before Eid?
Zakat al-Fitr isn’t just a donation. It completes your Ramadan. It feeds the hungry. It brings people together. If you’re asking what is the difference between zakat and zakat al fitr, Zakat is yearly and based on wealth, while Zakat al-Fitr is food-linked and tied to Eid. Here are the key benefits of Zakat al Fitr.
Main Benefits of Zakat al Fitr
- Cleanses your fast from mistakes during Ramadan
- Helps the poor celebrate Eid with peace of mind
- Ensures no one goes hungry on Eid day
- Makes Eid a shared joy across the community
- Builds unity between rich and poor
- Encourages early giving before the Eid prayer
- Brings reward and spiritual calm to the giver
- Teaches children the value of giving and gratitude
- serves as a reminder to be grateful for your blessings and humble.
- Strengthens ties in the Muslim community
- Fulfills a duty taught by the Prophet ﷺ
- Restores balance in society during a festive time
- Turns your fast into a complete, meaningful act
Give early. Give with care. Let someone else smile on Eid because of you.
Is Zakat al Fitr obligatory? Here’s What You Need to Know
Yes, Zakat al-Fitr is obligatory for every Muslim who has enough food for one day and night. It must be paid before the Eid prayer to purify your fast. This obligation applies to adults, children, and dependents, with the head of the family paying on behalf of all. It helps the less fortunate enjoy Eid and should be given with care, either in food or its cash equivalent. Ensure timely payment for a complete, rewarding Ramadan experience. Always check your local mosque for the set amount each year.
Can You Give Zakat al Fitr to Non-Muslims?
Zakat al-Fitr is a charity paid by Muslims before the Eid prayer at the end of Ramadan. Usually, it’s intended for Muslims who need help, so they can celebrate Eid and enjoy the day.
But can you give Zakat al Fitr to non-Muslims if they need urgent help?
Most scholars say clearly: that Zakat al Fitr should only go to Muslims. They explain that Prophet Muhammad specifically mentioned giving this charity to poor Muslims.
However, a few scholars, like Imam Abu Hanifa, allowed giving Zakat al-Fitr to non-Muslims in exceptional situations—such as emergencies, or severe poverty, or to encourage kindness and harmony between communities.
Still, if your intention is to help someone who’s not Muslim, it’s better to offer voluntary charity (called Sadaqah). That way, your Zakat al-Fitr meets its intended Islamic purpose, while you also freely support anyone in need.
To be completely sure, always ask your local mosque or trusted Islamic scholar. They’ll give you clear guidance based on your community and personal situation.
Can Zakat al Fitr Be Paid in Money?
Many Muslims wonder: can Zakat al Fitr be paid in money? Traditionally, it’s given as food like rice, barley, or dates. However, opinions vary among scholars:
- Most scholars prefer giving food, following the tradition of Prophet Muhammad.
- The Hanafi school allows paying in cash, which is practical for modern needs.
- Other schools (Maliki, Shafi’i, Hanbali) prefer food to strengthen community bonds.
When to pay zakat el fitr ?
Zakat al-Fitr can be paid throughout the month of Ramadan, but it must be paid before the start of the Eid al-Fitr prayers. While it is permissible to make the payment at any point during Ramadan, the most critical aspect is ensuring it is completed before the Eid prayer begins. This timing is emphasized in a hadith narrated by Ibn Abbas (RAA), where the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) stated:
“It is accepted as Zakah for the person who pays it before the Eid prayer, and it is Sadaqah for the person who pays it after the Eid prayer”
This highlights the importance of paying Zakat al-Fitr before the Eid prayer to fulfill its obligation as a purifying act for those who fasted and to provide for the needy.
Summary
What is the difference between zakat and zakat al fitr? Zakat fuels year-round support for those in need; Zakat al Fitr ensures everyone eats joyfully on Eid. Now that you’ve cracked the code, don’t let confusion hold you back. But why stop here? Take your faith further. At rahiqa Academy, our Quran courses turn knowledge into action—no jargon, just clarity. Ready to pray, give, and live with confidence? Join thousands who’ve transformed their spiritual journey. Start today: Learn Quran Online. Your next step? Just one click away.
FAQ’s
Q:What is the Difference Between Zakat and Zakat al Fitr in Islamic sources?
A:Zakat is mentioned in the Quran and Hadith. Zakat al Fitr is found only in Hadith but still obligatory for all Muslims.
Q:What is the Difference Between Zakat and Zakat al Fitr in who receives it?
A:Zakat goes to eight groups listed in the Quran. Zakat al Fitr is given only to poor people, especially before Eid.
Q:How much is Nisab?
A:The bare minimum of wealth required to pay Zakat is known as nisab. It equals 87.48g of gold or 612.36g of silver, based on current market rates.
Q:What is the Difference Between Zakat and Zakat al Fitr in who must pay them?
A:Zakat is only for wealthy Muslims. Zakat al Fitr is required from all Muslims, including children, through their guardian or household provider.
Q:Who Is Responsible for Paying Zakat al Fitr?
A:On behalf of themselves and their dependents, the household head is in charge of making the payment.
Q:Can I give Zakat al-Fitr in another country?
A:You should give Zakat al-Fitr locally, but if no one qualifies or relatives abroad are in greater need, sending it overseas is allowed.
