Zakat Al Fitr is an essential obligation for Muslims during the holy month of Ramadan, ensuring that those in need can celebrate Eid with dignity. In the UAE, the Fatwa Council has set the required amount for Zakat Al Fitr in 2025 at Dh25 per person or an equivalent of 2.5kg of staple food. Beyond this, the council has also clarified the different atonements required for missed fasts, ensuring that Muslims can observe Ramadan in a responsible and spiritually fulfilling manner. Read on to understand how and when to pay Zakat Al Fitr and the expiations applicable for those unable to fast.
- What is Zakat Al Fitr?
- How Much is Zakat Al Fitr in the UAE for 2025?
- Who Needs to Pay Zakat Al Fitr?
- Deadline for Paying Zakat Al Fitr
- Atonements for Missing Fasts
- How to Make Your Zakat and Atonement Payments?
What is Zakat Al Fitr?
Zakat Al Fitr, also known as Sadaqat Al Fitr, is a charity that every capable Muslim must pay before the end of Ramadan. Unlike the regular Zakat (2.5% of annual savings), this donation is a small, fixed amount intended to purify one’s fast and enable the less fortunate to partake in Eid celebrations.
It has been a tradition since the time of Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him), who mandated it to ensure that no one goes hungry on the day of Eid. The concept is deeply rooted in Islamic social justice, reinforcing the values of generosity, community, and empathy.
How Much is Zakat Al Fitr in the UAE for 2025?
For the year 2025, the UAE’s Council for Fatwa has set the amount for Zakat Al Fitr at Dh25 per person. Alternatively, individuals can distribute 2.5kg of staple food (such as rice, flour, wheat, or dates) to those in need.
Notably, the payment should be directed towards at least two poor individuals, ensuring that more people benefit from this religious charity.
Who Needs to Pay Zakat Al Fitr?
Zakat Al Fitr is obligatory for every Muslim who has the means to do so. This includes:
- Men, women, and children
- The elderly, as long as they can afford to give
- The head of a household, who can pay on behalf of dependents
If you are financially stable or have excess food, paying Zakat Al Fitr becomes a duty to help those struggling financially.
Deadline for Paying Zakat Al Fitr
Zakat Al Fitr must be paid before Eid prayers. The best time to offer it is in the last few days of Ramadan, ensuring it reaches those in need before Eid celebrations begin.
Failing to pay on time does not exempt a person from the obligation, but delaying it without a valid reason is discouraged in Islamic teachings.
Atonements for Missing Fasts
The UAE’s Fatwa Council has also outlined the expiations (fidyah and kaffarah) for those who miss or break a fast under different circumstances:
1. People Who Break Their Fast Intentionally
Those who deliberately miss their fast must either:
- Pay Dh15 per person for 60 poor individuals, totaling Dh900.
- Alternatively, provide 3.25kg of wheat per person.
2. Those Who Cannot Fast Due to Chronic Illness or Old Age
Individuals who are permanently unable to fast must:
- Pay Dh15 per day missed.
- Or, donate 3.25kg of wheat per missed day.
3. If Someone Dies Without Making Up Missed Fasts
If a person passes away with pending obligatory fasts, their heirs are required to:
- Pay Dh15 per missed fast, or
- Provide 3.25kg of wheat per missed day.
4. Those Who Delay Making Up Fasts Without A Valid Reason
Delaying a missed fast without an excuse requires:
- Paying Dh15 per day missed.
- Or feeding 3.25kg of wheat per person.
5. Expiation for Breaking an Oath During Ramadan
If a person swears an oath while fasting and knowingly breaks it, they must:
- Pay Dh15 per person to 10 poor individuals (total Dh150).
- Or feed 3.25kg of wheat per person.
How to Make Your Zakat and Atonement Payments?
There are several ways to distribute Zakat Al Fitr and atonement payments:
- Official Charity Organizations: Many Islamic charities in the UAE, such as Emirates Red Crescent and Dar Al Ber Society, offer collection and distribution services.
- Local Mosques: Many mosques have arrangements to collect and distribute Zakat Al Fitr.
- Direct Assistance: You can personally give it to those in need, ensuring it reaches eligible recipients before Eid.
Final Thoughts
Zakat Al Fitr is more than just an obligation—it’s a way to purify one’s fast and spread happiness among the less fortunate. By ensuring timely payment of Zakat and atonement dues, each Muslim contributes to a more just and compassionate society. If you haven’t already paid your Zakat, make sure to do so before Ramadan ends!
For further guidance, you can consult your local mosque or visit UAE government and charity websites to ensure your donations are distributed appropriately.
