In Islamic tradition, zakat fitri holds a distinctive place. It completes the observance of Ramadan fasting and expresses social responsibility toward the vulnerable. The obligation was instituted in the second year of the Hijri calendar, the same year fasting became mandatory, and even before the obligation of zakat on wealth (zakat mal).
The legal foundation for zakat fitri appears clearly in two authenticated hadith narrated by Ibn Umar. In a narration recorded by al-Bukhari, the Prophet set out both the scope and timing of this obligation:
عَنِ ابْنِ عُمَرَ رَضِيَ اللهُ عَنْهُمَا قَالَ فَرَضَ رَسُولُ اللهِ صَلَّى اللهُ عَلَيْهِ وَسَلَّمَ زَكَاةَ الْفِطْرِ صَاعًا مِنْ تَمْرٍ أَوْ صَاعًا مِنْ شَعِيرٍ عَلَى الْعَبْدِ وَالْحُرِّ وَالذَّكَرِ وَالْأُنْثَى وَالصَّغِيرِ وَالْكَبِيرِ مِنَ الْمُسْلِمِينَ وَأَمَرَ بِهَا أَنْ تُؤَدَّى قَبْلَ خُرُوجِ النَّاسِ إِلَى الصَّلَاةِ
“From Ibn Umar: The Messenger of God obligated zakat fitri as one sha’ of dates or one sha’ of barley upon every Muslim–free or enslaved, male or female, young or old–and commanded that it be paid before people go out for the Id prayer.” (Narrated by. al-Bukhari).
A similar narration appears in Muslim:
عَنْ عَبْدِ اللهِ بْنِ عُمَرَ أَنَّ رَسُولَ اللهِ صَلَّى اللهُ عَلَيْهِ وَسَلَّمَ فَرَضَ زَكَاةَ الْفِطْرِ مِنْ رَمَضَانَ عَلَى كُلِّ نَفْسٍ مِنَ الْمُسْلِمِينَ حُرٍّ أَوْ عَبْدٍ أَوْ رَجُلٍ أَوِ امْرَأَةٍ صَغِيرٍ أَوْ كَبِيرٍ صَاعًا مِنْ تَمْرٍ أَوْ صَاعًا مِنْ شَعِيرٍ
“From Abdullah ibn Umar: The Messenger of God ﷺ made zakat fitri obligatory during the month of Ramadan upon every Muslim soul—whether free or enslaved, male or female, young or old—at the amount of one shaʿ of dates or one shaʿ of barley.” (Narrated by Muslim).
Together, these hadiths define the subjects of the obligation broadly. However, the duty is not imposed without qualification.
Ability as the Key Conditon
Islamic law ties financial obligations to capacity. The Qur’an states:
لِيُنْفِقْ ذُو سَعَةٍ مِنْ سَعَتِهِ
“Let one who has abundance spend from his abundance.” (QS. Al-Thalaq: 7)
Accordingly, zakat fitri applies only to those who possess surplus beyond their basic needs and those they support on the night of Idulfitri. It is an act rooted in gratitude, not a burden placed on hardship.
For this reason, the head of a household bears responsibility for dependents, including spouses, minor children, or elderly parents without means. This arrangement reinforces solidarity within the family unit.
Orphans and Children in Care Institutions
Questions often arise regarding orphans or children living in care homes. These children usually own no property and rely on donations. In many cases, no individual guardian enjoys financial surplus on their behalf.
Under such conditions, they do not bear the obligation of zakat fitri. The duty rests only with those who truly possess excess resources, not with those already facing deprivation.
Distributing Zakat Through Trusted Institutions
Beyond eligibility, distribution matters. In modern society, professional zakat institutions provide efficiency and accountability. In Indonesia, many Muslims channel zakat fitri through Lazismu, a recognized body known for transparent management and structured distribution.
Such institutions help ensure that zakat reaches eligible recipients before the holiday, fulfilling both the letter and the spirit of the law.
Referensi:
Muhammadiyah Central Board, “Fikih Zakat Kontemporer”, in Berita Resmi Muhammadiyah No. 05/2022-2027/Zulkaidah 1446 H/Mei 2025 M, Yogyakarta: Gramasurya, 2025.
