Zakat al-Fitr in the Kingdom

Zakat al-Fitr in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia is a charity given by Muslims at the end of Ramadan and before Eid al-Fitr prayer for each individual. It is given in the form of food equivalent to one Sa', which is approximately three kg. In the Kingdom, some public and private entities facilitate the payment of Zakat al-Fitr by allowing individuals to pay the value of the Zakat, which the entity then distributes to the eligible recipients within the specified time according to Sharia law.

In Islamic law, Zakat al-Fitr is considered a purification for the fasting person from any Laghw (forbidden forms of speech) during Ramadan. It is obligatory for all Muslims, young and old, male and female, free and enslaved. It is not obligatory for the unborn child, though it is recommended. Zakat al-Fitr must be given before the Eid prayer, and it can be given a day or two before. The earliest permissible time to give it is from sunset on the twenty-eighth day of Ramadan until the Eid prayer.

Zakat al-Fitr is given to the poor and needy. The amount of Zakat is measured by a Sa' of dates, barley, raisins, or any staple food commonly used by the people in the region where it is given. A Sa' is approximately equal to three kg.

Several manifestations are associated with Zakat al-Fitr in the Kingdom, particularly during the last nights of Ramadan and the night of Eid al-Fitr. Stores begin to display various types of rice, which is the most common item people use for Zakat. Additionally, some shops set up external stalls specifically for selling and promoting different types of Zakat al-Fitr to passersby and customers.

To facilitate the payment of Zakat al-Fitr in the Kingdom, the Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development has included the service of paying the value of Zakat al-Fitr on the national platform for donation 'Donate'. Additionally, the Ehsan Platform is one of the official Saudi interfaces for donations, charity, Zakat, and gifts.