Key facts
| Question | Answer |
|---|---|
| Who pays? | Every Muslim, young or old; parents pay for their children |
| When? | Before the Eid prayer (many pay in the last days of Ramadan) |
| How much? | One sa‘ of staple food per person, or its value; your masjid announces the local amount |
| Who receives it? | People in need, so they can celebrate Eid |
Ibn ‘Umar reported that the Prophet ﷺ made Zakat al-Fitr due on every Muslim, free or slave, male or female, young or old, to be given before people go out to the Eid prayer (Sahih al-Bukhari 1503).
Scholars differ on paying it in food or money. Many UK masjids and charities collect it in money; follow your local scholars.
Make it a lesson
- Tell your child: “This is your Zakat al-Fitr. It helps another child have a happy Eid.”
- Let them hand over the money or click “pay”.
Teacher’s tip: Write each family member’s name on a list and tick them off as you pay, so your child sees they are included.
Related: explaining zakat to children.
