Zakat Al Fitr  – Ramadan 2023

Your Food, Their Life

JazakAllahu Khairan for your interest in donating Zakat al-Fitr with National Zakat Foundation.  We are no longer accepting Fitra donations at this time for Ramadan 2023.

If you are interested in learning more about how you can provide food to local vulnerable Muslims, click here to learn more about our NZF Feeds Food Program.  

A Muslim wife, husband, and two children enjoying a meal at the dining table.
Zakat in the Qur’an and Hadith

“The Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) ordained Zakat Al Fitr to purify the fasting person from indecent words or actions, and to provide food for the needy. It is accepted as Zakat for the person who gives it before the Eid prayer; but it is a mere Sadaqah for the one who gives it after the prayer.”

Abu Dawud and Ibn Majah
FAQs

Answering Your Questions

Here you will find answers to some of the most frequently asked questions about our organization and its work. We hope that this page will help you learn more about us and how we can help you or your community.
Learn about Zakat
Can I pay Zakat Al Fitr on behalf of my family members?

Yes, it was the practice during the early days of Islam, that the head of the family (male or female) would pay Zakat Al Fitr on behalf of the whole family.

Who receives Zakat Al Fitr?

The recipients of Zakat Al Fitr are the poor and the needy (Fuqara and Masakeen) and their definition is the same as for Zalat Al Maal. This is someone whose income is not sufficient for their needs and the needs of the family. Essentially, the beneficiaries of Zakat Al Fitr are Zakat-eligible and are qualified to receive both Zakat Al Fitr and Zakat Al Maal.

Who pays Zakat Al Fitr?

The overwhelming majority of Muslim scholars believe that if someone has more than what he or she needs to cover his or her needs and the needs of their families for the night and the day of Eid, then they are under the obligation to pay Zakat Al Fitr. Thus, it is an obligation upon every Muslim (male or female, adult or young, rich or poor) to pay Zakat Al Fitr.

The Nisab is not taken into consideration for Zakat Al Fitr payment obligation. In this case, some people might receive Zakat Al Fitr and pay it at the same time. This way the poor and the needy will contribute to fulfilling the needs of other people and this might help them to restore their sense of pride (positive pride).

Why is Zakat Al Fitr $15 per person?

The amount of food one must distribute as Zakat Al Fitris on saa’ of food. This is a unit of measurement used in the time of the Prophet (SAW). It equates to an amount of food that can be scooped up with two hands put together, four times. Therefore, when we represent this amount of food in dollars, it roughly equates to $15 CAD. Paying this amount in cash for the purpose of fulfilling one’s obligation of Zakat Al Fitr is sufficient, in shaa Allah.

How does National Zakat Foundation distribute Zakat Al Fitr?

National Zakat Foundation will distribute Zakat Al Fitr to qualified recipients who are Zakat-eligible. NZF’s team of Zakat workers (caseworkers) are trained to conduct a financial and needs assessment to determine a Zakat-eligibility of an individual or family.

National Zakat Foundation will also work with local Muslim organizations like food banks, masjids, and community centres to distribute Zakat Al Fitr to deserving families across Canada.

When should Zakat Al Fitr be paid?

Zakat Al Fitr must be paid during Ramadan, before the day of Eid. It is encouraged to not delay its payment so that the distribution to the poor and needy can be planned and executed by Eid Al Fitr.

Still Have Questions?

If you have a question that is not answered here, please feel free to contact us for more information or read our knowledge base below.

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Muslim father playing with his daughter inside of her bedroom.