Who is Eligible to Receive Zakat al-Fitr?

Zakat al-Fitr is one of the two charities that are obligatory for Muslims who are eligible for it. It is driven by two words: Zakat and al-Fitr. The word Zakat means purification, while al-Fitr means breaking the fast. Charity is central to the Islamic faith and is a form of worship. Believers acknowledge that whatever they have belongs to Allah (SWT), and it must be spent in His way. In this article, we will explore the following question: What is Zakat Al-Fitr, and who is eligible to receive it?

When is Zakat ul-Fitr due?

Zakat ul-Fitr becomes obligatory after the last iftar of Ramadan. Although it can be paid in advance, it must be paid before the start of the Eid-ul-Fitr prayers.

Who should pay Zakat al-Fitr?

Zakat al-Fitr is obligatory for Muslims whose wealth is equal to or exceeds the Nisab threshold (52.5 tolas of silver or equivalent currency amount). This threshold encompasses gold, silver, trade goods, cash, or other items beyond their needs.

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Difference between Zakat and Zakat al-Fitr

The following are some of the differences between Zakat and Zakat al-Fitr:

•         Zakat only applies to adult Muslims, while Zakat al-Fitr applies to Muslims regardless of age.
•         The overall amount of Zakat can be much larger than that of Zakat al-Fitr.
•         While Zakat is due annually, Zakat al-Fitr is only given after Ramadan.

Purpose of Zakat ul-Fitr

Here are the reasons why Muslims pay Zakat al-Fitr:

•         To show gratitude to Allah (SWT) for experiencing the blessings of Ramadan
•         To compensate for any shortcomings that might have occurred during fasting
•         To assist deserving people actively participating in the Eid-ul-Fitr celebrations

Hadith About Zakat al-Fitr

The following Hadith explains why Zakat al-Fitr is mandatory. 

Ibn ’Abbas (RAA) narrated, ‘The Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) enjoined Zakat-ul-fitr on the one who fasts (i.e. fasted during the month of Ramadan) to purify him from any indecent act or speech and for the purpose of providing food for the needy. It is accepted as Zakah for the person who pays it before the Eid prayer and it is Sadaqah (i.e. voluntary charity) for the person who pays it after the Eid prayer.’ Related by Abu Dawud and Ibn Majah and Al-Hakim graded it as Sahih. (Bulugh al-Maram)

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Who is Eligible to Receive Zakat ul-Fitr?

The eligibility of Zakat ul-Fitr is similar to that of Zakat. It is defined broadly in the following verses of the Quran:

“Zakah expenditures are only for the poor and for the needy and for those employed to collect [zakah] and for bringing hearts together [for Islam] and for freeing captives [or slaves] and for those in debt and for the cause of Allah and for the [stranded] traveler – an obligation [imposed] by Allah. And Allah is Knowing and Wise.” (Surat At-Tawbah, 9:60)

So, Zakat can broadly go to eight different categories of people:

The Poor (al-Fuqaraa)

The poor are those who have very low or no income. They usually have no savings and rely on day-to-day living. They cannot meet their own needs or the needs of their families. The Quran states: “And in their wealth there was a rightful share ˹fulfilled˺ for the beggar and the poor.” (Surat At-Tawbah, 9:60)

The Needy (al-Masakin)

The needy people are slightly better off than the poor. The Masakins own some goods, but they aren’t enough to cover basic needs.

Zakat Collector

The Aamileen collects the Zakat donations and distributes them among the needy. Zakat collectors are permitted to use a portion of the money, including organizations that promote the welfare of people.

People who have recently converted to Islam

Zakat can also be spent on Muslims who recently converted to Islam.

Sa’eed bin Al-Musayyab narrated from Safwan bin Umayyah who said: “The Messenger of Allah  gave to me on the Day of Hunain, and he was the most hated creature to me. But he did not stop giving to me until he was the most loved creature to me.” (Jami` at-Tirmidhi 666)

People in Debt

Zakat can be used to pay off the debt of deserving people under the following conditions:

•         The debt money was used for something permissible (such as marriage).
•         The person can’t pay debt.
•         The deadline for debt payment has arrived.

In Allah (SWT)’s path (Fi Sabeelillah)

People who live their lives for the cause of Allah (SWT).

The wayfarers and travelers

Zakat can also be given to any traveler or wayfarer who has stopped the journey home due to a lack of resources.

The Prophet (ﷺ) said: ” I earmark one-third for the poor, the needy, and the wayfarers.” (Sahih Muslim 2984b)

Those in prisons or captivity

It is also allowed to use Zakat to liberate enslaved Muslims or those kept in captivity.

Who is not eligible to receive Zakat-ul-Fitr?

Zakat al-Fitr cannot be given to the following:

• Instant relatives such as parents, grandparents, children, and grandchildren. Similarly, Zakat cannot be given to a wife or a husband.
• Fund the construction of mosques and schools.
• Syed, or the descendants of the Prophet (ﷺ), cannot receive Zakat al-Fitr.
• Non-Muslims.
• A person who isn’t needy or deserving.

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Conclusion:

Zakat al-Fitr is an obligatory charity for Muslims who are eligible. In this article, we have explored what is Zakat Al-Fitr, and why it is important. Zakat purifies their fast in Ramadan while helping those in need. Zakat  must be paid before the Eid-ul-Fitr prayers and applies to all Muslims regardless of age. The eligible recipients for include the poor, the needy, debtors, zakat collectors, wayfarers, and those in captivity. The charity is rooted in gratitude to Allah (SWT) and supports communal celebrations and organizations like Transparent Hands to provide a way for individuals to ensure their contributions effectively reach the most deserving individuals.

Read More:

How Much is Fidya for Ramadan 2025?

What is Kaffarah in Islam? 

The Benefits of Giving Sadaqah in Ramadan