Zakat al-Fitr: Rules and Amount

Quick Answer

Zakat al-Fitr (also called Fitrana) is a mandatory charity given before Eid al-Fitr prayer at the end of Ramadan. It purifies the fasting person from any shortcomings during Ramadan and provides for the poor on Eid day. The amount is one Sa' (approximately 2.5-3 kg) of staple food per person, or its monetary equivalent (typically $10-15 per person in Western countries, varying by region). It is obligatory on every Muslim who has food in excess of their needs, and must be paid on behalf of oneself and all dependents before the Eid prayer.