Zakat al-Fitr: A Purification for Fasting

Zakat al-Fitr is an obligatory charity that every Muslim must pay before the end of Ramadan, usually before the Eid prayer. This form of zakat purifies the fast of any mistakes or shortcomings and ensures that those in need can partake in the joy of Eid.

• Who should pay? Every adult Muslim who possesses the minimum required amount of wealth.

• How much? This year it’s $25/person.

• Deadline: Zakat al-Fitr must be paid before the Eid prayer.

Zakat al-Maal: A Duty for Those with Savings

Zakat al-Mal, or wealth zakat, is the obligatory almsgiving that must be paid on accumulated wealth after one full lunar year. It is calculated at 2.5% of your total savings, investments, and assets above the nisab (the minimum threshold for zakat).

• Who should pay? Every Muslim who meets the nisab threshold and has had savings for one lunar year.

• What is zakatable? It includes cash, gold, silver, stocks, business inventory, and other wealth.

• When to pay? Zakat al-Mal is typically paid once a year, but the timing can be based on when your wealth reaches the nisab and completes a lunar year.

Fidya: Making Up for Missed Fasting

If someone is unable to fast during Ramadan and cannot make up the fast later, they are required to pay fidya, which is usually the cost of feeding one poor person for each missed day of fasting. However, if an individual falls into the qualifying category of someone who should pay Fidya, and they themselves are needy or are not financially capable of paying the Fidya amount, then he/she is exempt from paying Fidya to compensate for their missed fasts.

• Who needs to pay fidya? Those who cannot fast due to chronic illness or old age and cannot make up the fast later and are financially capable.

• How much? The fidya amount this year is $25/missed day of fasting.

Online

Zakat al-Fitr can be paid online before the Eid prayer by visiting our donation page and selecting the appropriate category for Zakat al-Fitr, Zakat al-Mal, or Fidya. This is the fastest and most convenient method to fulfill your zakat obligation.

In Person

Zakat al-Fitr can also be paid in person before the Eid prayer. Simply drop your cash or check in the donation box labeled ‘Zakat al-Fitr,’ ‘Zakat al-Mal,’ or ‘Fidya’ at the designated location at the front desk.