Zakat al-Fitr 2025: Complete Guide to Fulfilling this End of Ramadan Obligation
As the end of the blessed month of Ramadan approaches, fulfilling Zakat al-Fitr becomes a major concern for Muslims. This obligatory alms, distinct from Zakat al-Maal, purifies our fast and provides help to the needy. For 2025, the amounts have been set between 7€ and 9€ in France and 7€ in Belgium according to official religious authorities.
What is Zakat al-Fitr: Definition and Importance
Zakat al-Fitr, also called Sadaqat al-Fitr, is an obligatory alms that every Muslim must pay before the prayer of Eid al-Fitr. It represents a purification of the fasting person and their fast, as taught by the Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings be upon him).
Ibn Abbas reports: "The Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings be upon him) prescribed Zakat al-Fitr as purification for the fasting person from vain and obscene words, and as food for the poor." (Reported by Abu Dawud)
This alms performs two essential functions:
- Purify the fast from any shortcomings during the month of Ramadan
- Allow the needy to share the joy of Eid by ensuring they have what they need
Official Amounts of Zakat al-Fitr 2025 by Country
For the year 2025, the amounts of Zakat al-Fitr vary according to countries and sometimes according to religious institutions within the same country:
| Country | Amount 2025 | Source |
|---|---|---|
| France | 7€ to 9€ | APBIF (7€), CFCM (9€) |
| Belgium | 7€ | Karama Solidarity |
| Algeria | 150 DZD | Ministry of Religious Affairs |
| Morocco | 23 DH | Supreme Council of Ulemas |
| United States | 10$ | IMAM-US |
In France, the difference in amount is explained by the calculation methods used. According to an official explanation from APBIF dated March 22, 2025, "according to the Hanafi school, zakat al-fitr is 2.145 kg of wheat, which is less than 7€ in 2025," while the CFCM set this amount at 9€ based on other calculation criteria.
Who Must Pay Zakat al-Fitr?
Zakat al-Fitr is obligatory for every Muslim who possesses more than their subsistence for the day of Eid. The head of the family must pay it for himself and for all dependents, including:
- His wife
- His children
- The persons he is responsible for
- The fetus, according to some scholars (recommended but not obligatory)
This charity is due from every Muslim, whether they have fasted or not during the month of Ramadan (such as travelers, the sick, exempt elderly people, pregnant or breastfeeding women).
What Forms Can Zakat al-Fitr Take?
Regarding the form that Zakat al-Fitr should take, there are differences of opinion among the legal schools:
1. In foodstuffs
According to the majority of schools (Shafi'i, Maliki, and Hanbali), Zakat al-Fitr must be paid in the form of staple foodstuffs consumed locally:
- 1 sa' (about 2.5 to 3 kg) of dates, barley, wheat, rice, or other staple foods according to the region
2. In money
According to the Hanafi school, it is permitted to give the equivalent in money. This position is also adopted by many contemporary scholars and official organizations, who consider that money can be more useful in certain contexts.
For more information on the different legal positions, consult our detailed article on the rules of Islamic jurisprudence (fiqh) regarding Zakat.
When to Pay Zakat al-Fitr?
The timing for paying Zakat al-Fitr is crucial for its validity:
Recommended period
The best time to pay it is on the morning of Eid, before the Eid prayer.
Permitted period
It is also permitted to give it a day or two before Eid al-Fitr, as some companions used to do.
Deadline
Zakat al-Fitr must be paid before performing the Eid prayer. If it is paid afterward, it will be considered a simple charity and not the obligatory Zakat al-Fitr.
In 2025, according to calendar forecasts, Eid al-Fitr should fall around March 30 (subject to the sighting of the lunar crescent). Zakat al-Fitr must therefore be paid before the Eid prayer on that day.
To Whom to Give Zakat al-Fitr?
The beneficiaries of Zakat al-Fitr are mainly people in need. According to the predominant opinion, it is primarily intended for:
- To the poor and needy Muslims of the locality where the donor resides
- In the absence of needy people in the locality, it can be transferred to other regions
Many Islamic charitable organizations collect Zakat al-Fitr to distribute it to the rightful recipients, thus facilitating its payment for Muslims. These organizations ensure that the distribution is carried out before the Eid prayer.
Practical Calculation of Zakat al-Fitr 2025
To calculate the total amount to be paid for your family, simply multiply the unit amount by the number of people concerned:
Example in France: For a family of 5 people (2 adults and 3 children) with a rate of 7€ per person, the calculation would be:
5 people × 7€ = 35€ in total
Some important clarifications:
- Zakat al-Fitr is due for each person, including newborns
- For schools other than Hanafi, check the equivalences in foodstuffs with your local mosque
To facilitate your calculation, you can use the Islamic tools and calculators available online.
Zakat al-Fitr and the Five Pillars of Islam
Although Zakat al-Fitr is not part of the five pillars of Islam (which include Zakat al-Maal), it is nevertheless an obligation (wajib) for every Muslim able to pay it. It is closely linked to the fasting of Ramadan, one of the five pillars, and constitutes an essential complement to it.
The Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings be upon him) made Zakat al-Fitr obligatory as "purification for the fasting person and food for the needy." It thus represents the perfect completion of the month of Ramadan, combining the spiritual dimension (purification) and the social dimension (helping the needy).
Difference between Zakat al-Fitr and Zakat al-Maal
It is important not to confuse Zakat al-Fitr with Zakat al-Maal (almsgiving on wealth), which constitutes the third pillar of Islam:
| Criterion | Zakat al-Fitr | Zakat al-Maal |
|---|---|---|
| Calculation basis | Per person (fixed amount) | On wealth (2.5% of surplus after nissab) |
| Period | End of Ramadan only | Once per lunar year |
| Who pays | Any Muslim having more than their daily subsistence | Muslims possessing the nissab (minimum threshold) |
For more information on Zakat al-Maal, consult our comprehensive guide on the pillars of Islam.
The Spiritual and Social Benefits of Zakat al-Fitr
Beyond its obligatory nature, Zakat al-Fitr has many benefits both spiritual and social:
Spiritual benefits
- Purification of the fast from any shortcomings
- Expression of gratitude to Allah for enabling the completion of fasting
- Development of generosity and empathy
- Increase in rewards at the end of Ramadan
Social benefits
- Alleviation of poverty and reduction of inequalities
- Reinforcement of community bonds
- Enabling everyone to celebrate Eid with dignity
- Strengthening solidarity within the Muslim community
These multiple dimensions make Zakat al-Fitr a complete act of worship, combining devotion to Allah and service to creation, in accordance with the spirit of the prophetic teachings.
Frequently Asked Questions about Zakat al-Fitr
Can Zakat al-Fitr be given to non-Muslims?
According to the majority opinion, Zakat al-Fitr must be given to needy Muslims. However, it is permitted and recommended to give other types of alms (sadaqa) to non-Muslims.
Is it permitted to give Zakat al-Fitr to family members?
Yes, provided they are not among the people one is legally obliged to support (such as one's own children or parents in need).
What to do if one cannot afford to pay Zakat al-Fitr?
If a person only has their subsistence for the day of Eid, they are not required to pay Zakat al-Fitr and become eligible to receive it themselves.
Can Zakat al-Fitr be given as a group?
Yes, several people can pool their Zakat al-Fitr to help a family or charitable project, as long as the total amount corresponds to the sum owed by each person.
Conclusion: The Importance of Zakat al-Fitr in our Tradition
Zakat al-Fitr represents an essential element of the conclusion of the blessed month of Ramadan. In 2025, its payment (between €7 and €9 in France according to authorities) before the Eid prayer will perfectly complete our fast and share the joy of this celebration with the most deprived.
By combining its purifying dimension with its social dimension, Zakat al-Fitr reminds us that Islam is a religion of balance, attentive both to individual spirituality and collective well-being.
At Al-Imen, your reference Muslim bookstore, we encourage you to deepen your knowledge on this important subject through our selection of books on Ramadan, Zakat, and other acts of worship. Feel free to consult our resources to enrich your understanding of religious practice.
Reminder: This article on Zakat al-Fitr 2025 is provided for informational purposes. For specific questions related to your personal situation, please consult an imam or a qualified scholar.