Zakat Al Fitr is often confused with Zakat Al Maal, the Zakat paid on wealth, that is mandated by Allah as one of the five pillars of Islam. Zakat Al Fitr is charity given to the poor at the end of fasting during Ramadan. It must be paid before the Eid prayer and it is compulsory for all Muslims regardless of age or financial standing.

 Ibn `Abbas (may Allah be pleased with him) reported: “The Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) ordained zakatul-fitr to purify the fasting person from indecent words or actions, and to provide food for the needy. It is accepted as zakah for the person who gives it before the Eid prayer; but it is a mere sadaqah for the one who gives it after the prayer.” [Abu Dawud and Ibn Majah].

If you are not familiar with Zakat Al Fitr or you have questions about how you pay it, what you have to pay and when you pay it, the quick three-minute video below by Muhammad Al-Shareef (Founder of Al-Maghrib Institute) is bound to be of benefit.