As-Salāmu ‘Alaykum / Peace be upon you!
Inshallah we will soon complete the fasting for Ramadhân 1446 AH.
Eid ul Fitr is expected to coincide with either Sunday March 30th, 2025, or Monday March 31st, 2025, subject to the sighting of the crescent moon for Shawwal. Announcement will be made after Maghreb during evening program on Saturday March 29th, 2025 and also in the Shawwal blog that will be posted on the web site whihc is when this blog will also be updated.
Muslims around the world share the joy of Eid by sharing with those around them who are less fortunate by contributing Zakat ul Fitr.
Zakat ul Fitr is an obligation that is due on the night of Eid and needs to be paid before Salaat ul Eid.
Despite the general rise in food costs, the recommended Zakat al-Fitrah amount for 1446 AH / 2025 AD remains $10.00 per eligible person.
The Obligation of Zakat al-Fitrah
Zakat is a divinely prescribed duty, frequently mentioned alongside prayer in the Holy Quran. Allah states:
قَدْ أَفْلَحَ الْمُؤْمِنُونَ. الَّذِينَ هُمْ فِي صَلَاتِهِمْ خَاشِعُونَ. وَالَّذِينَ هُمْ عَنِ اللَّغْوِ مُعْرِضُونَ. وَالَّذِينَ هُمْ لِلزَّكَاةِ فَاعِلُونَ
“Successful indeed are the believers, who are humble in their prayers, who avoid vain talk, and who give the poor their due.” (Surat Al-Mu'minūn No. 23 Āyat: 1-4)
The Prophet (peace be upon him and his family) reinforced this obligation, establishing Zakat as a pillar of Islam.
Who Must Pay?
Zakat al-Fitrah is obligatory upon every Muslim who:
Is sane and has reached physical maturity (baligh)
Is financially capable, meaning their basic needs and those of their dependents are secured through assets or continuous income
A person must also pay on behalf of all dependents, including guests who stay overnight on the eve of Eid al-Fitr. For instance, a family of four hosting two guests would pay for six people in total.
When to Pay?
Zakat al-Fitrah must be set aside on the eve of Eid al-Fitr and paid before the Eid prayer on the first day of Shawwal. It can be given earlier to a trusted individual or organization to ensure timely distribution.
How Is the Amount Determined?
The minimum obligation per person is equivalent to 6.6 pounds of a staple food such as rice or flour—sufficient to feed one needy person. The $10.00 amount reflects the estimated cost of this food based on:
Consumer Price Index (CPI) data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics
Nationwide retail prices of basic food staples
A precautionary buffer (ihtiyat) to account for price variations across regions
Those who wish to give more than the recommended amount may do so, but $10.00 fulfills the obligation.
CPI Data Sources
Flour Prices: BLS CPI – Flour
Rice Prices: BLS CPI – Rice
On the day of Eid, the collected Zakat al-Fitrah is distributed to those in need, ensuring they can also partake in the joy of Eid.
IMAN will be collecting Zakat ul Fitr for distribution to those in need by working in collaboration with other Islamic Centers in the Greater Seattle area with whom there is social services working relationship.
You can remit your Zakat ul Fitr contribution to IMAN in a variety of ways.
Donate with Zelle to accounts@iman-wa.org. Zelle barcode is provided for your convenience. Scan in your banking app to pay. Be sure to indicate Zakat ul Fitr (Sayed or Non-Sayed) on the memo line.
If you prefer to send your contribution by check, please denote Sayed/Non-Sayed on Memo line and mail to: IMAN, 515 State St S, Kirkland, WA 98033.
Donation boxes will be available on day of Eid for collections in cash.
You can also use this link to make your Zakat ul Fitr contributions. Be sure to select the correct (Sayed / Non-Sayed) designation to ensure the contribution is channeled appropriately.
Please note contributions via Zelle, Check or Cash incur no processing fees.
With salaams and duas,
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