Timing

**When It Becomes Due:** Sunset of the night of Eid (last day of Ramadan) - the moment of "breaking" the fast. **Time of Excellence (Best):** - From Fajr of Eid day until just before Eid prayer - **Hadith:** "The Prophet ﷺ commanded Zakat al-Fitr before people go out to the prayer." [Bukhari & Muslim] **Time of Permissibility:** - 1-2 days before Eid is permissible - Ibn Umar and Companions did this **Delayed (Sinful):** - After Eid prayer = sinful delay - It becomes regular charity, not Zakat al-Fitr - **Hadith:** "Whoever pays it before the prayer, it is accepted Zakat. Whoever pays it after the prayer, it is just a regular charity." [Abu Dawud, Ibn Majah]