The UAE Council for Fatwa has set the value of Zakat Al Fitr at Dh25 per person for the year 1447 AH (2026) and confirmed that it can be paid either in cash or in kind.

In a statement issued ahead of Eid Al Fitr, the council said the recommended amount is equivalent to 2.5 kilograms of rice per person, which may be given directly as food or as a cash equivalent.

The council said allowing payment in cash is intended to make it easier for people to fulfil the obligation while ensuring that support reaches those in need effectively before Eid.

Zakat Al Fitr is a mandatory charitable contribution for all financially capable Muslims and must be paid before the Eid Al Fitr prayer. It is intended to help those in need celebrate the festival with dignity.

According to Islamic teachings cited by the council, the obligation is based on a hadith narrated by Ibn Omar stating that the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) made Sadaqat Al Fitr obligatory, traditionally measured as one Sa’ of staple food such as barley or dates.

The head of a household is responsible for paying Zakat Al Fitr on behalf of spouses, children and dependents, regardless of their age or gender.