When is the time to pay zakat fitrah in Islam? This is a question that often arises during Ramadan and ahead of Eid al-Fitr. Performing zakat fitrah is obligatory, and the provisions are specified in terms of the time and amount of zakat that must be paid. As the fourth pillar of Islam, zakat has specific rules that must be followed.
In general, zakat al-fitr is obligatory for Muslims who are able to pay it. The purpose of zakat al-fitr is to purify wealth and benefit others. Those who neglect to pay it will certainly be sinful, and rewards await those who perform it. As this is an act of worship that only occurs once a year, Muslims should not neglect it or forget to perform it.
When Should Zakat Fitrah Be Paid?
In a hadith, it is stated that zakat fitrah must be paid before the Eid al-Fitr prayer on the 1st of Shawwal.
“It has been narrated to us (Muslim bin Amru bin Muslim Abu Amru Al Khaddza’ Al Madani) that he told me (Abdullah bin Nafi’ As Sha’igh) from (Ibn Abu Zannad) from (Musa bin Uqbah) from (Nafi’) from (Ibn Umar) that the Prophet Muhammad ordered to pay zakat fitrah before leaving (for the place of prayer) on Eid al-Fitr” (HR Tirmidzi).
The distribution of zakat al-fitr was finally divided as follows by the scholars and fiqh experts.
- Mubah time, which is at the beginning of Ramadan until the end of Ramadan
- Wajib time, which is when the sun begins to set at the end of Ramadan
- Sunnah time, after completing the Fajr prayer and before the time for Eid al-Fitr prayer
- Makruh time, after performing the Eid al-Fitr prayer until just before sunset on 1 Shawwal
- Haram time, which is after sunset on Eid al-Fitr or after 1 Shawwal
The Prophet Muhammad SAW also said that, “Whoever pays zakat al-fitr before the Eid prayer, their zakat will be accepted. Whoever pays it after the Eid prayer, it is only considered as charity among other forms of charity.” (HR Abu Daud)
Read also: Intention for Paying Zakat al-Fitr for Yourself and Your Family
Amount of Zakat al-Fitr in 2024
In Islamic law, zakat al-fitr is paid in the form of 1 sha of staple food. In Indonesia, this is usually in the form of 2.5 kg or 3.5 liters of rice of a quality suitable for daily consumption. If paid in cash, the amount must be equivalent to the price of the rice.
To pay zakat fitrah at Dompet Dhuafa, the amount is IDR 59,000. This amount is based on the price of premium rice produced by Dompet Dhuafa for local farmers spread across various regions. The rice is of high quality and will be distributed appropriately to mustahik or zakat beneficiaries ahead of Eid al-Fitr.
As it is an obligatory act of worship, zakat fitrah must be carried out and should not be delayed. To facilitate payment, friends can fulfill it through Dompet Dhuafa. Millions of beneficiaries will feel the joy of Eid al-Fitr from the zakat fitrah that you fulfill. Click the banner below to pay zakat fitrah now.
