Zakat ul-Fitr
Zakat ul-Fitr is a special charity paid during the month of Ramadan to be distributed to the poor so they can also enjoy the festivities of Eid. The zakat must be paid before Eid-ul-Fitr prayer, on the first day of Shawwal. Prophet Muhammad SAW is reported to have said: “Remember Zakat ul-Fitr is essential (Wajib) for every Muslim, man or woman; free or in servitude; adult or child.” (At-Tirmidhi).
On the day of Eid-ul-Fitr, every Muslim possessing an amount of food in excess of his and his family’s need for a day is mandated to pay Zakat ul-Fitr on behalf of himself and all his dependent(s). It is the cost of one full meal per person, or amounting to one Sa’, or equivalent to 2751-3800 grams of staples such as wheat, rice, or the like.