Is it permissible to pay Zakat Fitrah using borrowed money? Here's what Baznas says
Jakarta — Indonesia’s National Zakat Board (Baznas), operating through the DKI Jakarta Provincial Baznas/Bazis office, has stated that there is no prohibition on individuals paying their Zakat Fitrah obligation using borrowed money.
“There is no prohibition against using borrowed funds to pay Zakat Fitrah,” stated Prof. Bunyamin, Deputy Head IV of the Human Resources Division at Baznas/Bazis DKI Jakarta, when contacted in Jakarta on Monday.
The debt in question must not have been incurred to meet basic necessities, but rather for other purposes such as business development. However, if an individual is unable to pay Zakat Fitrah, their obligation is waived.
“The person in question would then fall into the category of mustahik (the poor and needy) who are entitled to receive Zakat Fitrah,” he said.
According to Baznas RI, Zakat Fitrah is an obligation on every Muslim, both male and female, to be discharged during the month of Ramadhan and completed before Eid al-Fitr.
This obligation is based on a hadith from Ibn Umar that states: “The Prophet Muhammad made Zakat Fitrah obligatory — one sa’ of dates or one sa’ of wheat — for every Muslim, whether slave or free, male or female, young or old. He commanded that it be carried out before people departed for prayer.” (Sahih Bukhari and Muslim)
Beyond serving as spiritual purification following the fasting observed during Ramadhan, Zakat Fitrah represents a manifestation of social concern for those in need.
Through Zakat Fitrah, it is hoped that happiness and blessings on Eid al-Fitr can be experienced more fairly across society, including amongst poor communities in need.
In accordance with Baznas Chairman Decree No. 14 of 2026 regarding the Value of Zakat Fitrah and Fidyah for the year 1447 H / 2026 M, the amount of Zakat Fitrah has been fixed at 2.5 kilogrammes or 3.5 litres of rice or staple food per person, or the equivalent of 50,000 Indonesian rupiah per person.
Zakat Fitrah may be paid from the beginning of Ramadhan and must be completed before the performance of Eid al-Fitr prayers.
The distribution to recipients should be made before Eid al-Fitr prayers so that Zakat Fitrah can provide maximum benefit to recipients.