KBRN, Jakarta: In Islamic teachings, zakat fitrah plays a crucial role as an obligation that every Muslim who meets the requirements must fulfill before the Eid al-Fitr prayer.

This act of worship is not only a form of social responsibility toward others but also serves as a means of self-purification after observing fasting during the holy month of Ramadan.

"Zakat fitrah is obligatory for every capable Muslim before Eid al-Fitr. Paying zakat fitrah is an expression of social care and self-purification before welcoming Eid," said the Secretary of the Fatwa Commission of the Indonesian Ulema Council (MUI), KH Miftahul Huda, in an online interview with MUIDigital on Wednesday (26/3/2025).

Furthermore, he explained the proper procedures, intentions, and prayers for paying zakat fitrah.

How to Pay Zakat Fitrah

a. Determining the Amount of Zakat

Zakat fitrah is given in the form of staple food such as rice, wheat, or other food items amounting to 1 sha' (approximately 2.5 kg – 3 kg per person).

If given in monetary form, the amount must be adjusted according to the price of staple food in the respective region.

b. Distributing Zakat to the Right Recipients

Zakat fitrah is distributed to the eight categories of zakat recipients (asnaf zakat), with the primary priority being the poor and needy.

The distribution can be done through zakat collectors (amil zakat), such as mosques or official institutions, or directly to those entitled to receive it.

Intention (Niat) for Paying Zakat Fitrah

The intention for paying zakat fitrah should be made sincerely for the sake of Allah SWT. It is sufficient to recite the intention in the heart, but it can also be verbalized with the following phrases:

a. Intention for Oneself

نَوَيْتُ أَنْ أُخْرِجَ زَكَاةَ الْفِطْرِ عَنْ نَفْسِي فَرْضًا لِلَّهِ تَعَالَى

"Nawaitu an ukhrija zakātal-fitri ‘an nafsī fardhan lillāhi ta‘ālā."

(I intend to pay zakat fitrah for myself as an obligation for the sake of Allah Ta'ala.)

b. Intention for Family (Wife, Children, or Other Dependents)

نَوَيْتُ أَنْ أُخْرِجَ زَكَاةَ الْفِطْرِ عَنْ...فَرْضًا لِلَّهِ تَعَالَى

"Nawaitu an ukhrija zakātal-fitri ‘an... (mention name) fardhan lillāhi ta‘ālā."

(I intend to pay zakat fitrah for... (mention name) as an obligation for the sake of Allah Ta'ala.)

c. Intention for the Whole Family

نَوَيْتُ أَنْ أُخْرِجَ زَكَاةَ الْفِطْرِ عَنِّي وَعَنْ أَهْلِ بَيْتِي فَرْضًا لِلَّهِ تَعَالَى

"Nawaitu an ukhrija zakātal-fitri ‘annī wa ‘an ahli baiti fardhan lillāhi ta‘ālā."

(I intend to pay zakat fitrah for myself and my family as an obligation for the sake of Allah Ta'ala.)

Prayer After Paying Zakat Fitrah

After giving zakat fitrah, it is recommended to recite the following supplication so that the zakat is accepted and brings blessings:

اللَّهُمَّ صَلِّ عَلَى ...اللَّهُمَّ اجْعَلْهَا مُطَهِّرَةً لِلنَّفْسِ، وَبَارِكْ فِي الرِّزْقِ، وَتَقَبَّلْ مِنَّا يَا كَرِيمُ

"Allahumma shalli ‘ala ... (mention the name of the one who gave zakat), Allāhummaj‘alhā muthahhiratan linnafs, wa bārik fī rizq, wa taqabbal minnā yā karīm."

(O Allah, bless … (mention the name of the one who gave zakat), O Allah, make this zakat a purification for the soul, bless our sustenance, and accept our deeds, O Most Generous One.)

Paying zakat fitrah is a way to complete the observance of Ramadan fasting. Therefore, every Muslim should understand the correct procedure, intention, and supplication to fulfill zakat fitrah so that it brings blessings and is accepted by Allah SWT. May the zakat we give serve as a source of blessings in our lives and purify our souls from any shortcomings during Ramadan.

Source: MUI