Two Types of Zakat
Many Muslims know that Zakat is obligatory, but fewer realise there are two distinct types — each with its own rules, timing, and purpose. Understanding the difference ensures you fulfill both obligations correctly.
What Is Zakat al-Mal?
Zakat al-Mal (literally "Zakat on wealth") is the annual obligation to give 2.5% of your qualifying wealth to those in need. This is the Zakat most people think of when they hear the word.
Key characteristics:
- Who pays: Every Muslim whose total eligible wealth exceeds the nisab threshold for a full lunar year
- Rate: 2.5% of net qualifying wealth
- When: Once per lunar year, on your personal Zakat anniversary (the date your wealth first exceeded the nisab)
- What it covers: Cash, savings, gold, silver, investments, trade goods, and money owed to you
- Purpose: To purify your wealth and distribute it to those who have a right to it
Zakat al-Mal is one of the five pillars of Islam. It is not optional — withholding it when it is due is a serious matter. You can calculate your Zakat al-Mal using our Zakat calculator, which uses live gold and silver prices for the nisab.
What Is Zakat al-Fitr?
Zakat al-Fitr (also known as Fitrana or Sadaqat al-Fitr) is a separate, smaller obligation paid at the end of Ramadan, before the Eid al-Fitr prayer.
Key characteristics:
- Who pays: Every Muslim — regardless of wealth. It is paid on behalf of yourself and every dependent in your household, including children and elderly family members
- Amount: The equivalent of one sa' of staple food (approximately 2.5-3kg of wheat, barley, dates, or rice). In the UK, this is typically set at £5-£7 per person by most scholars and charities
- When: Must be paid before the Eid al-Fitr prayer. It can be paid during Ramadan but must not be delayed past Eid
- Purpose: To purify the fasting person from idle talk and minor shortcomings during Ramadan, and to ensure the poor can also enjoy Eid
The Key Differences
Wealth Requirement
Zakat al-Mal is only due if your wealth exceeds the nisab. Zakat al-Fitr is due on every Muslim, regardless of how much wealth they have — as long as they have enough food for themselves and their family for the day of Eid.
Calculation
Zakat al-Mal is precisely calculated at 2.5% of your net eligible wealth. Zakat al-Fitr is a fixed, small amount per person — not a percentage of wealth.
Timing
Zakat al-Mal is paid on your annual Zakat date, which can fall at any time of year. Zakat al-Fitr is specifically tied to Ramadan and must be paid before the Eid prayer.
Who It Covers
Zakat al-Mal is paid by the individual on their own wealth. Zakat al-Fitr is paid by the head of household on behalf of every person in the household — themselves, their spouse, their children, and any dependents.
Purpose
Zakat al-Mal purifies your accumulated wealth and redistributes it to the poor. Zakat al-Fitr purifies your Ramadan fast and ensures the poor can celebrate Eid.
Do I Need to Pay Both?
If you meet the nisab threshold, yes — you should pay both. They are separate obligations with separate purposes. Paying Zakat al-Mal does not exempt you from Zakat al-Fitr, and vice versa.
Many Muslims choose to pay their Zakat al-Mal during Ramadan as well, to benefit from the multiplied rewards of the blessed month. But remember: Zakat al-Mal can be paid at any time of year based on your personal anniversary date.
A Practical Example
Ahmad has a wife and three children. His total eligible wealth is £30,000, which exceeds the nisab.
- Zakat al-Mal: £30,000 x 2.5% = £750 (paid on his annual Zakat date)
- Zakat al-Fitr: £7 x 5 people = £35 (paid before Eid prayer for himself, his wife, and three children)
Both are separate obligations. Ahmad pays £750 in Zakat al-Mal and £35 in Zakat al-Fitr.
Pay Your Zakat With Deen Relief
At Deen Relief, we accept both Zakat al-Mal and Zakat al-Fitr. Your Zakat is ring-fenced for eligible recipients only, with every case verified by our trustees. We operate a 100% Zakat policy — every penny reaches those who need it.
Pay your Zakat now — trustee-verified, Gift Aid eligible, Charity No. 1158608.