The deadline for paying zakat fitrah is something that needs to be considered so that the zakat we give is valid and in accordance with sharia law. Zakat fitrah is an obligation for every Muslim who is able and must be paid before Eid al-Fitr. However, many are still confused as to the best time to pay it, is it permissible to pay zakat after the Eid prayer?
My friend, don’t be late to pay zakat fitrah! If zakat fitrah is not paid according to the recommended time, its status can change to ordinary alms! How come? Let’s find out more about the deadline for paying zakat fitrah based on the evidence of the Qur’an, the hadith of the Prophet, and the views of the scholars.
Zakat Fitrah, Muslim Obligation at the End of Ramadan
Zakat fitrah is zakat that must be paid by every Muslim before Eid al-Fitr as a form of purification after fasting. The amount of zakat fitrah is in accordance with the hadith narrated by Imam Bukhari and Imam Muslim.
“The Prophet Muhammad required zakat al-fitr to be one sha‘ of dates or one sha’ of wheat for every Muslim, whether slave or free, male or female, young or old. And he commanded that this zakat be paid before the people went out to the Eid prayer.”
(Narrated by Bukhari No. 1503, Muslim No. 984).
This hadith emphasizes that zakat fitrah must be paid before the Eid prayer to remain valid as zakat. If zakat is paid after the Eid prayer, it is considered as regular charity, not zakat fitrah.
In the Qur’an, Allah also says about the obligation to pay zakat.
“And establish prayer, give zakat, and bow along with those who bow.”
(Surat Al-Baqarah: 43)
Zakat fitrah is part of the main obligation of a Muslim. Paying zakat must be on time. Therefore, it is important for us to understand when the deadline for paying zakat fitrah is so that it is not missed and is still valid as an obligatory act of worship.
Read also: The amount of Zakat Fitrah 2025 Complete with Calculation Examples
Batas Waktu Bayar Zakat Fitrah Sesuai Syariat
Para ulama membagi waktu pembayaran zakat fitrah ke dalam beberapa kategori berdasarkan kapan zakat tersebut ditunaikan.
- Waktu Wajib
Batas waktu bayar zakat fitrah menjadi wajib saat matahari terbenam di akhir bulan Ramadan, yaitu pada malam takbiran. Jika seseorang meninggal sebelum Magrib di malam Idulfitri, maka ia tidak wajib membayar zakat fitrah. Sebaliknya, jika bayi lahir sebelum Magrib di akhir bulan Ramadan, maka zakat fitrahnya wajib dikeluarkan. - Waktu Sunah
Waktu terbaik untuk membayar zakat fitrah adalah sejak awal Ramadan hingga sebelum pelaksanaan salat Idulfitri. Pembayaran di waktu ini lebih dianjurkan karena memudahkan mustahik (penerima zakat) untuk mempersiapkan kebutuhan hari raya. Imam Syafi’i dalam kitab Al-Umm menjelaskan bahwa membayar zakat fitrah lebih awal diperbolehkan, terutama jika ada kebutuhan mendesak agar sampai kepada penerima tepat waktu. - Waktu Makruh
Apabila zakat fitrah dibayarkan setelah salat Id, tetapi sebelum matahari tergelincir pada hari raya, maka hukumnya makruh. Hal ini karena Rasulullah Saw telah menegaskan bahwa zakat fitrah harus ditunaikan sebelum salat Id. - Waktu Haram
Apabila zakat fitrah dibayarkan setelah matahari terbenam di Hari Raya Idulfitri, maka hukumnya haram. Zakat yang dibayarkan di waktu ini tidak lagi dinilai sebagai zakat fitrah, melainkan hanya sedekah biasa. Oleh karena itu, penting untuk memastikan bahwa zakat fitrah dibayarkan tepat waktu agar tetap sah sebagai bagian dari ibadah Ramadan.
Untuk tahu lebih lengkap tentang waktu-waktu pembayaran zakat fitrah, Sahabat bisa membacanya lebih lanjut di sini Bayar Zakat Fitrah di Awal Ramadan, Makruh? Ini 5 Waktu Penunaiannya.
Why is there a time limit for paying zakat fitrah before the Eid prayer?
Paying zakat fitrah before the Eid prayer has several virtues. First, zakat fitrah functions as a purification after fasting for a whole month.
“Zakat fitrah is a purification for fasting people from useless words and deeds and as food for the poor.”
(HR. Abu Dawud No. 1609, Ibn Majah No. 1827).
The hadith shows that zakat fitrah is not only an obligation, but also a way to perfect worship in the month of Ramadan. By paying it before the Eid prayer, we can ensure that the money we spend actually reaches those in need in a timely manner, so that they can share in the happiness of Eid al-Fitr.
Second, paying zakat fitrah early can help the recipients have enough food to welcome and celebrate Eid. This is in accordance with the main purpose of zakat fitrah, which is so that no poor person feels difficult on the day of victory.
“Take zakat from their wealth to purify and cleanse them, and pray for them because your prayers are truly a comfort to them. Allah is All-Hearing and All-Knowing.”
(Surah At-Taubah: 103)
Read also: Paying Zakat Fitrah Online or In Person, Which is More Appropriate?
What if you are late in paying Zakat Fitrah?
If a Muslim has passed the deadline for paying Zakat Fitrah, which is after the Eid prayer, then the zakat is no longer considered Zakat Fitrah, but only as ordinary alms. However, this does not mean that someone can deliberately delay the payment of zakat al-fitr. Imam An-Nawawi in Al-Majmu’ Syarh Al-Muhadzdzab mentions that delaying the payment of zakat al-fitr without a clear excuse is an act that is not justified in Islam.
If someone truly forgets or does not have the opportunity to pay zakat fitrah before the Eid prayer, then they are still obliged to pay it as soon as possible after the prayer. However, it is better if the Companion has paid zakat fitrah from the beginning of Ramadan so as not to risk missing the time.
So the benefits of paying zakat
Paying zakat fitrah on time is not just about fulfilling an obligation, but it can also be beneficial for those in need, so that they can celebrate Eid al-Fitr more happily. By understanding this provision, we can ensure that the zakat fitrah that we perform is accepted by Allah SWT and brings benefits to others. May we all be able to pay zakat fitrah on time and receive blessings on the day of victory. Aamiin. (RQA)
