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Zakat al-Fitr 2026

Zakat al-Fitr — also called Fitrana or Sadaqat al-Fitr — is a compulsory payment due from every Muslim before the Eid al-Fitr prayer. It ensures the poor can celebrate Eid and it purifies the fast from any shortcomings. Here's everything you need to know for 2026.

UK Amount (2026)
£5 – £7
per person in your household
Deadline
Before Eid Salah
approx. 21–22 March 2026
Who pays
Every Muslim
and each dependent in your care
Quick answer: Pay £5–£7 per person in your household before the Eid al-Fitr prayer (approximately 21–22 March 2026). It is separate from Zakat al-Mal and must be paid even if you don't owe annual Zakat.

What is Zakat al-Fitr?

Zakat al-Fitr (فِطر) is an obligatory charitable payment that marks the end of Ramadan. The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) made it compulsory:

"The Messenger of Allah (PBUH) made Zakat al-Fitr compulsory — one Sa' of dates or one Sa' of barley — upon every Muslim, free or slave, male or female, young or old. He commanded that it be paid before the people go out for the Eid prayer." — Sahih Bukhari & Muslim

One Sa' is approximately 2.5–3 kg of a staple food. Most UK scholars and charities translate this to a cash value of £5–£7 per person in 2026, based on the cost of flour, rice or dates.

Who is responsible for paying?

Fitrana is due from every Muslim who has food (or its equivalent value) beyond their basic needs on the eve of Eid. Critically, you pay per head:

  • Yourself
  • Your spouse
  • Your children (minor children in your care)
  • Any other dependants you are responsible for financially

A family of four would pay 4 × £5–£7 = £20–£28 total.

Deadline for 2026

Fitrana must be paid before the Eid al-Fitr prayer. For Ramadan 2026 (Ramadan 1447 AH), Eid al-Fitr is expected around 21–22 March 2026 (subject to moon sighting). Paying in the last few days of Ramadan is valid, but:

  • Paying in the first half of Ramadan gives charities time to distribute it before Eid
  • Paying after the Eid prayer is not accepted as Fitrana (it becomes general Sadaqah)
  • The best time is the morning of Eid before leaving for the prayer

Fitrana vs Zakat al-Mal — key differences

FeatureZakat al-Fitr (Fitrana)Zakat al-Mal (Annual Zakat)
TriggerEnd of RamadanOne Hawl year above Nisab
AmountFixed (~£5–£7 per person)2.5% of net zakatable wealth
Who paysEvery Muslim + dependantsThose above the Nisab
DeadlineBefore Eid prayerOn your Hawl anniversary
PurposePurify the fast; feed the poor for EidRedistribute annual wealth
Nisab required?No (basic food surplus enough)Yes — must exceed Nisab

FAQs

What is Zakat al-Fitr 2026?
Zakat al-Fitr (also called Fitrana or Sadaqat al-Fitr) is a compulsory charitable payment made by every Muslim before the Eid al-Fitr prayer at the end of Ramadan 2026. It must be paid on behalf of yourself and each dependent in your household. In 2026, the UK Fitrana rate is typically set at £5–£7 per person by major charities, based on the value of 2.5kg of a staple food.
How much is Zakat al-Fitr in the UK in 2026?
For Ramadan 2026 (Ramadan 1447 AH), most major UK Islamic charities set Fitrana at £5 to £7 per person. The exact amount varies slightly between organisations because different scholars use different staple foods as the benchmark (wheat, rice, dates, raisins, or barley). National Zakat Foundation (NZF) and Islamic Relief typically announce their figure in mid-Ramadan each year.
When should Zakat al-Fitr be paid in 2026?
Fitrana must be paid before the Eid al-Fitr prayer. Ramadan 2026 is expected to end around 20–21 March 2026 (depending on moon sighting), making Eid al-Fitr approximately 21–22 March 2026. It is strongly recommended to pay before the last few days of Ramadan so charities can distribute it by Eid morning. Paying early in Ramadan is also valid.
Who must pay Zakat al-Fitr?
Every Muslim who possesses food (or its monetary value) in excess of their own and their dependants' needs on the eve of Eid must pay Fitrana. This includes: yourself, your spouse, your children, and any other dependants under your care. It is paid per head — so a family of four pays four portions.
Is Zakat al-Fitr the same as Zakat al-Mal?
No. Zakat al-Fitr is a separate and distinct obligation from Zakat al-Mal (the annual wealth Zakat). Zakat al-Fitr is linked to Ramadan and Eid; it purifies the fast and feeds the poor for Eid. Zakat al-Mal is based on wealth held for one year above the Nisab. You may owe both, either, or (if below the Nisab) only Zakat al-Fitr.
Can Zakat al-Fitr be given as cash in 2026?
The majority of scholars permit giving the cash equivalent of the food amount. This is the most common approach for UK Muslims. The cash must be distributed to eligible recipients before the Eid prayer — which is why paying through a reputable charity well in advance of Eid is recommended. The Maliki school prefers actual food but permits cash where food distribution is impractical.
Calculate Zakat al-Mal Full Zakat al-Fitr guide →

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