Understanding the deadlines for Zakat during Ramadan is essential, especially since Zakat al-Mal and Zakat al-Fitr have different timing requirements. This article outlines the key dates for Ramadan 2026 and explains when each type of Zakat must be paid.
Ramadan 2026 Key Dates
Ramadan 1447 AH is expected to begin around February 28, 2026, and conclude around March 29, 2026, with Eid al-Fitr falling on approximately March 30, 2026. Please note that exact dates depend on moon sighting and may vary by one or two days depending on your location.
| Event | Expected Date | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Ramadan begins | ~February 28, 2026 | Subject to moon sighting |
| Last 10 nights begin | ~March 20, 2026 | Most virtuous period |
| Laylat al-Qadr (estimated) | ~March 24-28, 2026 | Odd nights of last 10 |
| Ramadan ends | ~March 29, 2026 | Subject to moon sighting |
| Eid al-Fitr | ~March 30, 2026 | Fitrana due before Eid prayer |
Zakat al-Mal Deadline
Zakat al-Mal (the standard wealth-based Zakat) does not have a specific deadline tied to Ramadan. Your Zakat becomes due when one full lunar year (hawl) has passed since your wealth first reached the Nisab threshold.
If you have set your Zakat anniversary during Ramadan, then your deadline is whichever date you chose. For example, if your hawl date is the 1st of Ramadan, you should pay your Zakat on or before that date.
The key rule: do not delay Zakat al-Mal beyond your hawl date. If your anniversary falls during Ramadan, calculate your zakatable wealth on that date and pay promptly. If you are paying early to coincide with Ramadan, you may pay any time during the month.
Zakat al-Fitr (Fitrana) Deadline
Zakat al-Fitr has a much more specific deadline. This is a separate obligation from Zakat al-Mal, and the timing rules are stricter:
- When it becomes obligatory: At sunset on the last day of Ramadan (the night before Eid).
- Absolute deadline: Before the Eid al-Fitr prayer begins on the morning of Eid.
- Recommended time to pay: Most scholars recommend paying Fitrana a day or two before Eid so that recipients can benefit from it on Eid day.
- Some scholars allow: Paying Fitrana at any point during Ramadan, especially if giving through a charity that needs time to distribute.
For Ramadan 2026, this means Zakat al-Fitr should ideally be paid by March 28-29, 2026 (the last day or two of Ramadan), and absolutely before the Eid prayer on March 30, 2026.
Zakat al-Mal vs. Zakat al-Fitr: Quick Comparison
| Feature | Zakat al-Mal | Zakat al-Fitr |
|---|---|---|
| Who must pay | Muslims with wealth above Nisab | Every Muslim (head of household pays for family) |
| Amount | 2.5% of net wealth | Fixed amount (~$10-15 per person) |
| When due | After one lunar year above Nisab | Before Eid al-Fitr prayer |
| Can pay early? | Yes | Yes, during Ramadan |
| Tied to Ramadan? | No (can be any time of year) | Yes (end of Ramadan) |
What Happens If I Miss the Deadline?
For Zakat al-Mal: If you miss your hawl date, you should pay as soon as possible. The obligation does not expire. Past-due Zakat must still be paid, and scholars recommend also seeking forgiveness for the delay.
For Zakat al-Fitr: If paid after the Eid prayer, it is considered Sadaqah (voluntary charity) rather than Fitrana, according to many scholars. The obligation is missed, though giving the amount is still encouraged. The preferred view is to avoid this situation by paying in advance.
Tips to Avoid Missing the Deadline
- Set a calendar reminder for the 25th of Ramadan to calculate and pay your Zakat al-Mal and Fitrana.
- Use the ZakatEasy Calculator to calculate your exact amount early in Ramadan.
- Pay Fitrana through a charity in the first half of Ramadan, giving them time to distribute to recipients before Eid.
- Keep a consistent Zakat date each year so you never forget.
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