ZAKAT AND FANOOS TO EID AL-FITR

Introduction

During Ramadan, there are two distinct types of Zakat that Muslims fulfill: Zakat al-Mal (annual wealth tax) and Zakat al-Fitr (specifically for the end of Ramadan). This is a mandatory form of charity specifically tied to the month of Ramadan.

Zakat Purpose

The purpose of Zakat al-Fitr is to cleanse the faster from any small impurities during their fast and to ensure the poor can celebrate Eid al-Fitr. Every Muslim, including children and dependents, provided the household has enough food for themselves. It must be paid before the Eid prayer at the end of Ramadan. Traditionally about 3kg (one Sa') of staple food (like rice or barley) per person, or its cash equivalent (roughly $7/£5 per head). While Zakat al Mal, this can be paid at any time of year, many Muslims choose to pay it during Ramadan to maximize spiritual rewards. Acts of worship and charity are believed to be rewarded 70 times more during this holy month. Most major charities like Islamic Relief or Muslim Aid provide online tools to help you determine your exact amount based on current gold/silver prices.

Fanoos

Fanoos (Arabic: فانوس, plural: Fawanees) is an Egyptian folk and traditional lantern that has become a globally recognized symbol of the holy month of Ramadan. Originating from the Greek word phanós, meaning "light" or "lantern," it traditionally represents hope and "light in the darkness".

The tradition is most strongly rooted in Egypt. According to popular legend, the practice began during the Fatimid Caliphate (10th century) when Cairenes greeted Caliph Al-Mu'izz li-Din Allah with lanterns to celebrate his arrival during Ramadan. In Islamic culture, it signifies the light of the world and the believer's hope for redemption. It is also used to guide children who walk the streets singing traditional songs like "Wahawi ya Wahawi". While it started in Egypt, the Fanoos is now a common decoration in homes, restaurants, and public squares across the Muslim world, including Saudi Arabia, Iraq, and the Levant.

Traditional fawanees were handcrafted from copper and colored glass and lit with candles or oil. Today, they come in several forms. Sometimes, Intricate metalwork with stained glass, or Plastic, battery-powered versions for children that often play music or feature cartoon characters.

Eid al-Fitr

also known as the "Festival of Breaking the Fast," marks the conclusion of Ramadan, the Islamic holy month of fasting. It is one of the two most significant festivals in the Islamic calendar, celebrated during the first three days of Shawwal, the 10th month of the lunar year. The day begins with a special communal prayer performed in large congregations at mosques or open fields(Salat al-Eid), Feasting, Known as "Sweet Eid," it is characterized by traditional sweets and large family meals, often starting with dates. The most common greeting is "Eid Mubarak" (Blessed Eid) or "Eid Saeed" (Happy Eid). In the Philippines, it is a national public holiday known as Eid'l Fitr, often marked by communal prayers in major cities like Davao or Manila. In countries like Saudi Arabia and Qatar, the holiday often extends to a four-day break for both public and private sectors. Known as Meethi Eid in South Asia, there is a strong focus on serving vermicelli pudding (sheer khurma).

Reference

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‌You are being redirected... (n.d.). Islamic-Relief.org. https://islamic-relief.org/zakat-faq/

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‌The Ramadan Lantern. (2022, April 2). Little Passports. https://www.littlepassports.com/blog/world-holidays/the-ramadan-lantern/

Atassi, B. (2016, June 10). Ramadan 2016 special: Make your own fanoos. Al Jazeera. https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2016/6/10/ramadan-2016-special-make-your-own-fanoos

‌The Editors of Encyclopedia Britannica. (2019). Eid al-Fitr | Definition & Facts. In Encyclopædia Britannica. https://www.britannica.com/topic/Eid-al-Fitr

‌Murray, L. (2025, June 13). Eid al-Fitr. Encyclopedia Britannica. https://www.britannica.com/story/eid-al-fitr-islamic-festival

‌A Guide to Eid al Fitr Prayer Based on Fiqh. (2026). Ums.ac.id. https://www.ums.ac.id/en/news/sermon/a-guide-to-eid-al-fitr-prayer-based-on-fiqh

‌Brandeis University. (2025). Eid al-Fitr. Www.brandeis.edu. https://www.brandeis.edu/spiritual-life/resources/guide-to-observances/eid-al-fitr.html

Photo Courtsey:

https://www.pinterest.com/pin/id-ul-fitr--445363850653548431/

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