Zakat al-Fitr 2025: Calculate it accurately according to the Sunnah 🌙
Zakat al-Fitr is an obligatory alms that every Muslim must pay before the Eid al-Fitr prayer, marking the end of the blessed month of Ramadan. In 2025, as every year, millions of Muslims are asking the same question: how to accurately calculate this Zakat?
The answer lies in the Sunnah of the Prophet ﷺ: the Mudd . Discover in this comprehensive guide how to use this prophetic practice to properly fulfill your religious obligation.
📖 What is Zakat al-Fitr?
Definition and Obligation
Zakat al-Fitr is a purifying alms prescribed by the Prophet ﷺ to purify the fasting person from their vain and indecent speech, and to feed the poor.
"The Prophet ﷺ prescribed Zakat al-Fitr of one Saa' of dates or one Saa' of barley for every Muslim, free or slave, male or female, young or old."
— Narrated by Abdullah ibn Umar, Sahih al-Bukhari 1503
Who is required to pay Zakat al-Fitr?
Every Muslim who has enough food to feed themselves on the day of Eid must pay Zakat al-Fitr for themselves and for those under their care:
- ✅ For yourself
- ✅ For his wife
- ✅ For her children (even newborns)
- ✅ For his elderly dependent parents
- ✅ For its domestic staff (according to some reviews)
📏 The Saa' and the Mudd: Understanding the Prophetic Measures
What is a Saa'?
A Saa' (الصاع) is the unit of measurement used by the Prophet ﷺ for Zakat al-Fitr. It is equivalent to 4 Mudds .
| Measure | Equivalence | Volume |
|---|---|---|
| 1 Mudd | 2 hands clasped | 0.75 liters |
| 1 Saa' | 4 Mudds | 3.0 liters |
To learn more about Mudd, see our complete guide .
🌾 Complete Table: Calculation of Zakat al-Fitr 2025
By Food Type
Here is the detailed table to calculate your Zakat al-Fitr in 2025 with updated prices in France:
| Food | Volume (1 Saa') | Approximate Weight | Average Price 2025 | Where to Buy |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Deglet Nour Dates | 3.0 litres (4 Mudds) | 2.5 kg | 18-28 € | Oriental grocery stores |
| Medjool Dates | 3.0 litres (4 Mudds) | 2.3 kg | €35-50 | Organic stores |
| Wheat | 3.0 litres (4 Mudds) | 2.8 kg | 6-10 € | Supermarkets |
| Barley | 3.0 litres (4 Mudds) | 2.3 kg | 5-8 € | |
| Basmati Rice | 3.0 litres (4 Mudds) | 2.4 kg | 8-12 € | Supermarkets |
| Long Rice | 3.0 litres (4 Mudds) | 2.5 kg | 6-9 € | Supermarkets |
| Raisins | 3.0 litres (4 Mudds) | 2.0 kg | 14-22 € | Organic stores |
| Powdered milk | 3.0 litres (4 Mudds) | 1.8 kg | 18-25 € | Supermarkets |
| Semolina | 3.0 litres (4 Mudds) | 2.2 kg | 5-8 € | Supermarkets |
Important note : These prices are indicative and may vary depending on the region and the store. Weights are approximate as they depend on the density of each food item.
Which Food to Choose?
Scholars agree on the staple foods mentioned in the hadiths:
- 🌾 Dates : The quintessential prophetic food (recommended)
- 🌾 Barley : Mentioned in the hadiths
- 🌾 Wheat : Accepted by consensus
- 🌾 Rice : Modern staple food (accepted by the majority)
- 🌾 Raisins : Mentioned in some hadiths
💰 Zakat al-Fitr in Money: Is it Permissible?
The Different Opinions
The question of giving Zakat al-Fitr in money divides scholars:
Review 1: Food Only (Majority)
The majority of scholars (Malikites, Shafiites, Hanbalites) consider that Zakat al-Fitr should be given in food only , in accordance with the hadith.
Arguments :
- ✅ This is the practice of the Prophet ﷺ
- ✅ The hadith explicitly mentions food
- ✅ This ensures that the poor receive food
Opinion 2: Money Permit (Hanafi School)
The Hanafi school allows for giving the equivalent in money to help the poor.
Arguments :
- ✅ More practical for the poor
- ✅ They can buy what they need
- ✅ Facilitates distribution
Calculation in Silver (if you follow the Hanafi school of thought)
If you choose to donate money, calculate the value of 3 litres of the staple food in your region:
| Calculation Basis | 2025 Price (France) | Per Person |
|---|---|---|
| Rice (staple food) | 3-4 €/kg | 7-10 € |
| Wheat | 2-3 €/kg | 6-8 € |
| Dates | 7-10 €/kg | 18-25 € |
Recommendation : In France, most associations recommend €7-10 per person in 2025.
📅 When to Give Zakat al-Fitr?
Mandatory Period
Zakat al-Fitr must be given before the Eid prayer . Here are the different periods:
| Period | Status | Details |
|---|---|---|
| Beginning of Ramadan | ✅ Permit | Some scholars allow it from the beginning of the month |
| 27-28-29 Ramadan | ✅ Recommended | Ideal time to facilitate distribution |
| Eve of Eid | ✅ Highly recommended | Practice of the Prophet ﷺ |
| Eid morning (before prayer) | ✅ Required | Maximum limit |
| After the Eid prayer | ❌ Delay (sin) | It becomes a simple act of charity. |
"Giving it before prayer is an accepted Zakat. Giving it after prayer is a charity among charities."
— Narrated by Ibn Abbas, Sunan Abu Dawud 1609
👨👩👧👦 Special Cases: Who Pays for Whom?
Large Family
Example : Family of 5 people (2 parents + 3 children)
- Father: 1 Saa' (4 Mudds)
- Mother: 1 Saa' (4 Mudds)
- Child 1: 1 Saa' (4 Mudds)
- Child 2: 1 Saa' (4 Mudds)
- Child 3: 1 Saa' (4 Mudds)
Total : 5 Saa' = 20 Mudds = 15 liters of food (or €35-50 in cash)
Newborn
If a child is born before sunset on the last day of Ramadan , Zakat al-Fitr is obligatory for him.
Pregnant Woman
Zakat al-Fitr is not obligatory for the fetus (majority opinion), but it is recommended according to some scholars.
Deceased Person
If a person dies after sunset on the last day of Ramadan , their Zakat al-Fitr must be paid from their estate.
Traveler
The traveler must pay his Zakat al-Fitr either in his country of origin or in the country where he is on the day of Eid.
🎯 How to Use Mudd for Measurement?
Practical Method
- 🛒 Get your hands on an authentic 0.75 litre Mudd ( available here )
- 📦 Choose your food (dates, rice, wheat, etc.)
- 🥄 Fill the Mudd 4 times to get 1 Saa'
- 👨👩👧👦 Multiply by the number of people in your care
- 📦 Pack and distribute before the Eid prayer
Concrete Example
Family of 4 with dates:
- 1 person = 4 Mudds of dates
- 4 people = 16 Mudds of dates
- 16 Mudds × 0.75L = 12 liters of dates
- 12 liters ≈ 10 kg of dates
- Estimated cost: €70-100
🕌 To Whom Should Zakat al-Fitr Be Given?
Legitimate Beneficiaries
Zakat al-Fitr must be given to the poor and needy (fuqara and masakin). It cannot be given to the eight categories of general Zakat, but only to the first two:
- ✅ The poor (fuqara): Those who do not have enough to meet their needs
- ✅ The needy (masakin): Those who have a little but not enough
Where to Donate?
- 🕌 Local mosque : They redistribute to those in need
- 🏢 Charitable associations : Islamic Relief, Barakacity, etc.
- 👥 Directly to the poor : If you know them
- 🌍 Country of origin : Permitted according to some reviews
❓ Frequently Asked Questions about Zakat al-Fitr 2025
Can I give my Zakat al-Fitr to my family?
You cannot give it to those for whom you are responsible (spouse, children, dependent parents). But you can give it to your brothers, sisters, uncles, aunts, cousins if they are in need.
Can I give all my Zakat to one person?
Yes, it is permitted. You can give the Zakat of your entire family to a single person in need.
What should I do if I forget to give before the prayer?
You must give it as soon as possible, but it becomes a simple alms and no longer an accepted Zakat al-Fitr.
Can I give different food to each member of my family?
Yes, that's allowed. You can give dates for yourself, rice for your wife, etc.
🌟 Conclusion: The Wisdom of Zakat al-Fitr
Zakat al-Fitr is much more than just charity: it is a purification of fasting , a joy for the poor , and a community solidarity .
By using the Mudd to calculate your Zakat al-Fitr, you:
- 🤲 Follow the exact Sunnah of the Prophet ﷺ
- 📏 Calculate your obligation accurately
- ✅ You are fulfilling your duty correctly
- 📚 Pass this practice on to your children
- 🌟 Revive a prophetic tradition
May Allah accept our fasting, our prayers, and our Zakat. May He make it easy for us to fulfill our obligations and count us among the righteous. Ameen 🤲
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