Zakat al-Fitr 2026 — Fitrana
Zakat al-Fitr (Fitrana) is £7 per person in the UK for 2026. It must be paid before Eid al-Fitr prayer — on behalf of yourself and every Muslim dependent in your household.
What is Zakat al-Fitr?
Zakat al-Fitr is a mandatory charitable payment that every Muslim must make at the end of Ramadan, before the Eid al-Fitr prayer. It is one of the obligations of Ramadan, alongside fasting.
The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) made Zakat al-Fitr obligatory as a purification for the fasting person from idle talk and obscenity, and as food for the needy. (Abu Dawud, Ibn Majah)
It is also called Sadaqah al-Fitr or simply Fitrana. Do not confuse it with Zakat al-Mal — the annual 2.5% Zakat on wealth. They are completely separate obligations.
Who must pay Zakat al-Fitr?
Every Muslim who possesses food in excess of their needs for the day and night of Eid must pay Zakat al-Fitr — for themselves and for every Muslim they are financially responsible for:
- Yourself
- Your spouse (if you provide for them)
- Your children (including adult children you financially support)
- Dependent parents in your care
A child is not required to pay for themselves — the father (or head of household) pays on their behalf.
How much is Fitrana in the UK for 2026?
Zakat al-Fitr is calculated as the value of one sa' of a staple food. Scholars have converted this to a monetary amount based on the cost of wheat flour, rice, or barley in local markets.
For the UK in 2026:
- Standard amount: £7 per person (used by most UK charities and Islamic scholars)
- Some charities and scholars accept £5 per person
- If you wish to give more, you may — the extra counts as voluntary Sadaqah
When must Zakat al-Fitr be paid?
Zakat al-Fitr must be paid before the Eid al-Fitr prayer. If paid after the prayer, it is considered a normal Sadaqah — not Zakat al-Fitr. This is the unanimous opinion of all four schools.
Permissible times to pay:
- Best: the night before Eid or morning of Eid, before the prayer
- Permissible: any time during Ramadan (for early collection by charities)
- Not valid: after the Eid prayer has been performed
Paying through a reputable charity early in Ramadan is acceptable and ensures funds reach recipients in time.
Zakat al-Fitr vs Zakat al-Mal — key differences
| Feature | Zakat al-Fitr | Zakat al-Mal |
|---|---|---|
| Type | Per-person flat amount | 2.5% of total zakatable wealth |
| When due | End of Ramadan, before Eid prayer | Once per lunar year (Hawl) |
| Who pays | Every Muslim with surplus food | Muslims with wealth above Nisab |
| Amount (2026 UK) | £7 per person | 2.5% of net wealth |
| Nisab required? | No | Yes |
| Purpose | Purify Ramadan fast | Purify annual wealth |
Frequently asked questions
What is Zakat al-Fitr?
Zakat al-Fitr (also called Fitrana) is a mandatory charitable payment made by every Muslim before Eid al-Fitr prayer at the end of Ramadan. It is separate from Zakat al-Mal (the annual 2.5% wealth Zakat). Its purpose is to purify the fasting person's Ramadan and provide food for the poor so they can celebrate Eid.
How much is Zakat al-Fitr in 2026 UK?
Zakat al-Fitr 2026 in the UK is typically set at £7 per person, based on the cost of a staple food equivalent. Some charities set it at £5. You should pay for yourself and every dependent in your household — spouse, children, and any dependent parents.
Who must pay Zakat al-Fitr?
Every Muslim who has food in excess of their needs for themselves and their family on the day and night of Eid al-Fitr must pay Zakat al-Fitr. It is paid on behalf of yourself and every Muslim in your care — including young children and elderly parents. A husband pays for his wife if he is her provider.
When should Zakat al-Fitr be paid?
Zakat al-Fitr must reach the recipient before the Eid al-Fitr prayer. It is permissible to pay it from the beginning of Ramadan, but it becomes obligatory on the night of Eid. Paying early (before Ramadan ends) through a trusted charity ensures timely distribution.
What is the difference between Zakat al-Fitr and Zakat al-Mal?
Zakat al-Mal is the annual 2.5% wealth Zakat — due on savings, gold, investments, and other assets above the Nisab held for one lunar year. Zakat al-Fitr is a fixed per-person charity paid at the end of Ramadan. They are two completely separate obligations. Paying one does not exempt you from the other.
Can you pay Zakat al-Fitr in cash?
Yes. The majority of contemporary scholars permit paying Zakat al-Fitr in cash (its monetary equivalent), especially in Western countries where distributing actual food staples is impractical. Paying through a trusted charity that converts it to food or cash for the poor in need is widely accepted.