The Zakat al-Fitr Intention

Intention is a pillar of zakat. Although its place is in the heart, voicing it is highly recommended to strengthen one's resolve when handing zakat to the amil. Here is the zakat al-fitr intention for oneself:

نَوَيْتُ أَنْ أُخْرِجَ زَكَاةَ الْفِطْرِ عَنْ نَفْسِيْ فَرْضًا لِلَّهِ تَعَالَى

Nawaitu an ukhrija zakaatal fithri ‘an nafsii fardhan lillaahi ta’aalaa. Meaning: “I intend to give zakat al-fitr for myself, as an obligation for Allah the Almighty.”

When paying for oneself and all family members whose maintenance one bears: “Nawaitu an ukhrija zakaatal fithri ‘annii wa ‘an jamii’i maa yalzamunii nafaqaatuhum syar’an fardhan lillaahi ta’aalaa” — “I intend to give zakat al-fitr for myself and all those whose maintenance is my responsibility, as an obligation for Allah the Almighty.”

How Much Is Zakat al-Fitr

The zakat al-fitr due from every Muslim is one sha', which converts to 2.5 kilograms or 3.5 liters of staple food — in Indonesia, usually rice. It is calculated per person, so a family of five pays 5 × 2.5 kg.

Zakat al-fitr may also be paid in cash, with the amount adjusted to the price of the rice one consumes. Under BAZNAS Chairman Decree No. 14 of 2026, the cash value is set at IDR 50,000 per person. The amount can vary by region, so check your local BAZNAS ruling.

When to Pay Zakat al-Fitr

Zakat al-fitr may be paid from the beginning of Ramadan. Its obligatory time is the end of Ramadan to the start of Shawwal, while the best (afdhal) time is after the Fajr prayer on 1 Shawwal, before the Eid al-Fitr prayer.

Paying before the Eid prayer is strongly encouraged so its benefit reaches the mustahik (recipients) right on the day of celebration.

Who Receives Zakat al-Fitr

Zakat al-fitr serves a dual purpose: purifying the fasting person from shortcomings during the fast and expressing social care so that all Muslims — including the poor — can celebrate Eid al-Fitr joyfully.

It may be given directly to mustahik from the 8 asnaf categories or through official amil bodies such as BAZNAS and other zakat institutions. Channeling it through an amil eases distribution and ensures the zakat reaches the rightful recipients.