How to calculate and pay your Zakat simply

Zakat paid by the faithful needs to make the maximum difference to those most in need. The term Zakat refers to the process of purifying your wealth and soul by performing an act of devotion and social responsibility so that each person’s wealth benefits others.

The UAE Council for Fatwa has set the official food quantities and cash values for Zakat Al Fitr in 2026 based on a field price study conducted with the Ministry of Economy and Tourism.

What is the set amount?

The UAE Council for Fatwa stated that Zakat Al Fitr is set at 2.5 kg of rice per person and may be made in kind (as rice) or in cash.
The amount for Zakat Al Fitr in cash is set at a recommended value of AED 25 per person in 1447 AH (2026 CE) to enable the poor to be adequately provided for on the day of Eid and ensuring that the due right reaches its rightful beneficiaries.

How is Zakat calculated?

Zakat is calculated at 2.5% of your total savings and assets that have been in your possession for one lunar year. However, you are only eligible to pay Zakat if your income is above a certain amount.
The gold and silver you own, money in the form of cash or in bank accounts, trade goods and stock, investments such as shares, funds, property, and produce are all used to calculate your eligibility.
Your bank can help you calculate Zakat by using a simple online calculator. All you need to do is check boxes that specify what you own (including cash, shares, gold, sukuk, investment funds, crypto, and business assets) and what you owe (including home finance, utility payments, personal finance, and business liabilities).

When does Zakat become due?

If you have owned wealth above the eligibility limit (Nisab) for one Hijri year, you can pay Zakat on it. Paying Zakat during Ramadan is the most prevalent. However, you can give Zakat any time it becomes due during the Hijri year.
Zakat Al Fitr is paid between dawn and sunset on Eid day. The Council has appealed to the public to channel payments through approved bodies, including the National Platform of Zakat, the Emirates Red Crescent, and recognized charities in the UAE.
In an example, Sharjah Charity International (SCI) has announced the preparation of 130,000 portions of Zakat Al Fitr to be distributed to eligible recipients on the eve of Eid Al Fitr. SCI distributes Zakat in kind to those eligible, while its cash value is received from donors at AED 25 per individual who wishes to delegate SCI to distribute Zakat Al Fitr on their behalf.

Who can you give Zakat to?

There are numerous channels and eligible types of persons including travelers in need, the cause of spreading the message of faith, those burdened by debt, captives, new Muslims and allies, Zakat administrators, the needy, and the poor.
How are you planning to give Zakat this year? Read more on how Zakat and Sadaqah are both directed at helping the poor and those in need.

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