Zakat al-Fitr 1448 (2027): Amount in Kg, When to Pay and Who Pays
Quick answer: Zakat al-Fitr is one saa' of staple food (rice, dates, wheat and the like) for every person in your family, which is about 3 kg each. Pay it before the Eid prayer; you may pay it one or two days before Eid. In 1448 Eid al-Fitr is expected on Tuesday 9 March 2027 (Umm al-Qura), so the time to pay is 7–9 March 2027 before the prayer.
How much is Zakat al-Fitr in kg?
The amount is one saa'. Sheikh Ibn Baz said a saa' is about 3 kg, and that paying 3 kg is the safe amount. Give the food people normally eat in the country, such as rice in Saudi Arabia.
| People in the family | Food to give (about) |
|---|---|
| 1 | 3 kg |
| 2 | 6 kg |
| 3 | 9 kg |
| 4 | 12 kg |
| 5 | 15 kg |
| 6 | 18 kg |
| 7 | 21 kg |
| 8 | 24 kg |
Can I pay Zakat al-Fitr in cash?
In Saudi Arabia the fatwa of the senior scholars, including Sheikh Ibn Baz, is that Zakat al-Fitr must be given as food, which is the view of the majority of scholars. The Hanafi school allows paying its value in money. If you cannot buy and deliver the food yourself, you can appoint a trusted person or charity to buy the food and give it on your behalf.
When to pay Zakat al-Fitr in 1448
| Time | Date (Umm al-Qura) | Ruling |
|---|---|---|
| 28 Ramadan 1448 | Sunday 7 March 2027 | Allowed (two days before Eid) |
| 29 Ramadan 1448 | Monday 8 March 2027 | Allowed (one day before Eid) |
| Eid morning before the prayer | Tuesday 9 March 2027 | Best time |
| After the Eid prayer | Tuesday 9 March 2027 | Too late: it counts as ordinary charity |
Dates follow the Umm al-Qura calendar. The real start of Shawwal depends on the moon sighting, so Eid may move by one day. See the Umm al-Qura 1448 calendar.
Ibn Umar reported that the Prophet ﷺ ordered Zakat al-Fitr to be paid before people go out to the prayer, and that the Companions paid it one or two days before Eid.
Who must pay Zakat al-Fitr?
- Every Muslim, young or old, man or woman, who has food beyond what he and his family need for the day and night of Eid.
- The head of the family pays for those he supports: his wife and children.
- A baby born before sunset on the last day of Ramadan is included.
- Paying for a baby not yet born is recommended, not required.
Who receives Zakat al-Fitr?
It is given to poor and needy Muslims, preferably in the place where you are at the end of Ramadan. Expats living in Saudi Arabia usually pay it here, to poor people here.
Zakat al-Fitr and zakat on money
Zakat al-Fitr is a fixed amount per person. Zakat on money is 2.5% of savings that reach the nisab. To calculate that one, read zakat on gold and money or use the calculator.
Frequently asked questions
How much is Zakat al-Fitr per person?
One saa' of staple food, about 3 kg of rice, dates or wheat for each person.
When is Zakat al-Fitr due in 2027?
Before the Eid al-Fitr prayer, expected on Tuesday 9 March 2027. You may pay from Sunday 7 March 2027 (two days before Eid).
Can Zakat al-Fitr be paid in money in Saudi Arabia?
The fatwa of Saudi senior scholars, including Ibn Baz, is that it is paid as food. You can appoint a charity or a person to buy and give the food for you.
How much Zakat al-Fitr for a family of 5?
5 × 3 kg = about 15 kg of rice or another staple food.
What if I pay after the Eid prayer?
It no longer counts as Zakat al-Fitr but as ordinary charity, and delaying it without an excuse is a sin. If you forgot, pay it as soon as you remember.
Official sources
- Ibn Baz: the saa' of Zakat al-Fitr is about 3 kg (fatwa 9263)
- Ibn Baz: Zakat al-Fitr is paid as food (fatwa 13962)
- Dorar: time of paying Zakat al-Fitr
This guide explains the general rules. It is not legal advice.