Zakat Fitrah & Fidyah: Everything You Need to Know

Zakat Fitrah and Fidyah are important charitable obligations in Islam, especially during the month of Ramadan. Zakat Fitrah, given before Eid al-Fitr, is a mandatory donation that purifies one’s fasting from any shortcomings and allows the less fortunate to share in the joy of Eid.

It is required for every financially capable Muslim and is typically provided in the form of staple food or its monetary equivalent. Meanwhile, Fidyah serves as compensation for missed fasts due to valid reasons and is fulfilled by feeding those in need.

Both acts reflect the core Islamic values of generosity, compassion, and social responsibility.

This Ramadan, learn more about the significance of Zakat Fitrah and Fidyah.

What is Zakat Fitrah?

Zakat Fitrah (also called Zakat al-Fitr) is a compulsory charity that every Muslim must pay before Eid al-Fitr, marking the end of Ramadan. It purifies those who fast from any minor sins and provides food to the poor, spreading joy and ensuring that those in need can celebrate Eid.

Who must pay Zakat Fitrah and when

Every Muslim, must pay Zakat Fitrah. The head of the household typically pays on behalf of all dependents.

The head of the family (e.g., father, husband, guardian) must pay Zakat Fitrah for:

• Himself
• His wife (if she has no income)
• Children (including infants and unborn babies in the womb at Maghrib on the last day of Ramadan). If born after Maghrib on that day, then Zakat Fitrah is not required that year
• Parents (if financially dependent on him)
• Other dependents (e.g., adopted children, siblings, or relatives under his care)

Independent adults (e.g., working individuals, single men/women) must pay for themselves.

Zakat Fitrah must be paid during Ramadan and before the Eid al-Fitr prayer on the first day of Syawal. Delaying payment is sinful but must still be fulfilled.

Current Rice Prices for Zakat Fitrah

Zakat Fitrah is valued, based on the local price of staple foods, primarily rice to keep it affordable. Each year, Islamic authorities review regional market conditions to determine the appropriate rate.

While rice is commonly used, Zakat Fitrah can also be given in other staple foods like wheat, barley, or dates. Some scholars also allow cash payments for convenience.

Check the table below for the latest Zakat Fitrah rates:

How to calculate your Zakat Fitrah

• Check the Zakat Fitrah rate in your state
  

  Each state sets its rate based on the cost of 2.5 kg of rice.

• Count your dependents
  

  This includes yourself, your spouse, children, or anyone under your financial care.

• Calculate the total amount
  

  Multiply the Zakat Fitrah rate by the number of people.

  For example:
  If your state's Zakat Fitrah rate is RM7.00 per person, and you are paying for 5 people.

  RM7.00 × 5 = RM35.00

Who’s Eligible for Zakat

Zakat is distributed among eight specific groups, known as Asnaf:

1. Fakir
   Individuals with no income who cannot meet basic needs.
2. Miskin
   Individuals with limited income to cover necessities.
3. Amil
   Individuals appointed to collect and distribute Zakat.
4. Muallaf
   New converts to Islam who may need financial or social support.
5. Riqab
   Historically referred to slaves seeking freedom. Today, it may include those struggling with severe personal constraints.
6. Gharimin
   People in debt for valid reasons who cannot repay it.
7. Fisabilillah
   Those working for the cause of Allah, including efforts that uphold and spread Islam.
8. Ibnus Sabil
   Travelers in need or stranded far from home.

What is Fidyah? 

Fidyah is compensation for missed fasts during Ramadan due to valid reasons such as illness, old age, or hardship from pregnancy or breastfeeding. It allows individuals to fulfill their religious obligations while supporting those in need.

How to calculate Fidyah

Count the total days of fasting you missed and did not make up. For each missed day, one Fidyah payment is required. For example, if you missed 10 days, you owe 10 Fidyah payments.

Fidyah rate

The Fidyah rate is based on the current price of one cupak of rice (a staple food) in each state.

**The term "cupak" refers to a traditional Malay measurement unit. Commonly used for measuring rice or grains.

Check the table below for the latest Fidyah rates:

Ways to pay Fidyah

Fidyah is typically given in the form of food, but you can pay the equivalent amount in money. The required amount depends on local food prices.

For food-based payments, you may give staple items like rice, wheat, or dates to those in need. For money-based payments, you pay the value of one meal for each missed fasting day.

When to pay Fidyah?

It is best to pay Fidyah before the next Ramadan to avoid accumulating missed fasts. If you have a chronic illness and cannot fast permanently, you should pay it annually.

Both Zakat Fitrah and Fidyah are acts of charity that purify wealth, support those in need, and ensure no one is left behind during Ramadan. By understanding their significance, you can fulfill your religious obligations with ease and sincerity.

Manage your Zakat Fitrah with the Zakat Dashboard and fulfill your Zakat Fitrah and Fidyah here today.

💡 The information provided above is purely for educational purposes.

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