How to Pay Zakat Fitrah for Someone Else: Intention and Guidance
Ramadan is the time when Muslims fulfil their obligation to pay zakat fitrah before Eid al-Fitr. A common question that arises is whether zakat fitrah can be paid on behalf of someone else or delegated, for example to family members or relatives. This article explains the legal provisions, intention requirements, and payment procedures for paying zakat fitrah on behalf of others.
Zakat fitrah may be paid for someone else, provided that the payment is made with proper intention on behalf of the person being represented, and with permission from both the person delegating and the person being delegated for. According to the National Zakat Agency (BAZNAS), the standard amount of zakat fitrah is 1 sha’ of staple food per person, equivalent to approximately 2.5 kilograms or 3.5 litres of rice. BAZNAS also permits payment in monetary form, with the nominal amount adjusted according to local rice prices in each region. Based on the BAZNAS Chairman’s Decree Number 14 of 2026, the zakat fitrah amount for this year is set at Rp50,000 per person.
When paying zakat fitrah on someone’s behalf, the intention remains an important element. The intention may be recited by the person making the payment, mentioning the name of the person being represented. The intention may be recited as follows: “I intend to issue zakat fitrah on behalf of [name], as an obligation to Allah the Almighty.”
Zakat fitrah payments can be made directly through the nearest zakat collection unit or online through BAZNAS. The online payment process involves accessing the BAZNAS website at https://baznas.go.id/bayarzakatfitrah, selecting “Zakat Fitrah” as the donation type, entering the number of individuals for whom zakat is being paid, completing the personal data form, selecting the preferred payment method, and completing the payment according to the instructions provided. After successful payment, the taxpayer will receive proof of payment as evidence of the transaction being processed. It is important to ensure that zakat is paid before the specified deadline so that the act of worship is valid and complete.