To give Sadaqah on Eid, first settle what is obligatory for that Eid. Then give a voluntary gift of any size to people in need, with a sincere intention, before or soon after the Eid prayer. Sadaqah on Eid has no fixed amount and no fixed form. It can be money, food, clothing, a gift for a child or a project that serves a community for years.
Eid is a day of joy, and Islam asks that the poor share in it. The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) urged charity in his Eid sermon, and the women present gave their jewelry on the spot (Sahih al Bukhari 964). This guide explains how to give Sadaqah on Eid al Fitr and Eid al Adha, when to give it and where it does the most good.
| Eid | Expected date in the USA, 2027 | Islamic date |
|---|---|---|
| Eid al Fitr | Tuesday, March 9, 2027 | 1 Shawwal 1448 |
| Eid al Adha | Sunday, May 16, 2027 | 10 Dhul Hijjah 1448 |
Both dates depend on moon sighting and may fall one day later in your community.
What is due on each Eid, and what is voluntary
Each Eid has its own required act of giving. Sadaqah is separate from both and never replaces them. Settle the obligation first, then add your Sadaqah.
| Feature | Zakat al Fitr | Qurbani (Udhiyah) | Sadaqah on Eid |
|---|---|---|---|
| Which Eid | Eid al Fitr | Eid al Adha | Both |
| Status | Obligatory | Wajib in the Hanafi school for those above the Nisab. A confirmed Sunnah in the other schools | Voluntary |
| Amount | One sa’ of staple food per person, about 2.5 kg. The Fiqh Council of North America advised 10 dollars per person for 2026 | One sheep or goat, or one share in seven of a cow or camel | Any amount |
| Time | Before the Eid prayer | After the Eid prayer on the 10th until sunset on the 12th, or the 13th in the Shafi’i school | Any time. Best given early |
| Who receives it | The poor and needy | Family, friends and the poor | Anyone in need, and any good cause |
| If you miss the time | It counts only as ordinary charity and the duty remains to be made up | The sacrifice is missed. Hanafi scholars require its value in charity | Nothing is missed. Give when you can |
Zakat al Fitr is often called Sadaqat al Fitr
The two names mean the same payment. This causes confusion, because the word Sadaqah appears in an obligatory act. Zakat al Fitr purifies the fasting person and feeds the poor on Eid (Sunan Abi Dawud 1609). It must be given before people leave for the Eid prayer (Sahih al Bukhari 1503). A gift made after the prayer is ordinary Sadaqah.
Qurbani is not replaced by a donation
Some donors ask whether they can give the price of an animal as Sadaqah instead of the sacrifice. The sacrifice is the act of worship. Voluntary charity given in its place does not fulfill it. Read Qurbani vs Zakat vs Sadaqah for the full comparison.
How to give Sadaqah on Eid in 8 steps
- Settle the obligation first. Pay Zakat al Fitr before the Eid al Fitr prayer. Arrange your Qurbani before Eid al Adha.
- Make your intention. Intend the gift for the sake of Allah (SWT) alone. No words need to be spoken.
- Set an amount you can give gladly. Sadaqah has no minimum. Even half a date protects from the Fire (Sahih al Bukhari 1417).
- Choose who will benefit. Start with relatives and neighbors in need, then widen to orphans, refugees and families abroad.
- Choose the form. Money, a meal, new clothes, a gift for a child or a lasting project all count.
- Give early. Send it two or three days before Eid so it arrives in time for Eid morning.
- Give with dignity. Give from lawful wealth, in private where possible, and never remind the person of your favor (Surah Al Baqarah 2:264).
- Keep your receipt. A gift to a 501(c)(3) charity in the USA is generally tax deductible if you itemize.
The best time to give around Eid
| Moment | What to give |
|---|---|
| Two or three days before Eid | Zakat al Fitr, Eid gifts and clothing for children, Qurbani booking |
| The night before Eid | Any Sadaqah still unsent |
| Eid morning before the prayer | The final deadline for Zakat al Fitr |
| At the Eid prayer | The mosque collection |
| After the prayer and through the day | Meals, visits, gifts and a share of Qurbani meat on Eid al Adha |
| The days after Eid | Continued Sadaqah. On Eid al Adha, Qurbani through the Days of Tashreeq |
Allow for the time difference
Eid begins earlier for the families you support abroad. Uganda is 9 hours ahead of Chicago in March and 8 hours ahead in May. Pakistan is 11 hours ahead in March and 10 hours ahead in May. A gift sent on Eid morning in the USA arrives when Eid day is nearly over there. A charity also needs time to buy and deliver food and clothing. Give early so the gift is in a child’s hands on Eid morning.
Involve your children
Many families give children Eidi, a gift of money on Eid. Invite each child to set aside a part of it for a child who has less. A habit formed on a day of joy tends to last.
Best forms of Sadaqah on Eid
The best Sadaqah on Eid is the one that lets someone else celebrate. Match the gift to the Eid.
| Form of Sadaqah | Best suited to | Why it matters on Eid |
|---|---|---|
| A meal for a poor family | Both Eids | Eid is a day of eating and gratitude |
| New clothes for a child | Both Eids | Wearing good clothes on Eid is a Sunnah |
| Gifts and sweets for orphans | Both Eids | The one who cares for an orphan will be close to the Prophet in Paradise (Sahih al Bukhari 6005) |
| A share of your Qurbani meat | Eid al Adha | Allah commands: eat from it and feed the poor (Surah Al Hajj 22:28) |
| Clean water | Both Eids | A lasting gift that serves a village every day |
| A wheelchair, Qurans or a school | Both Eids | Sadaqah Jariyah that continues after Eid |
| Sadaqah for a loved one who has died | Both Eids | Charity given on their behalf benefits them (Sahih al Bukhari 1388) |
Sadaqah that costs nothing
Charity is wider than money. Visiting a sick or lonely person, forgiving an old grievance, greeting a stranger at the Eid prayer and sharing your table are all acts of Sadaqah. Every good deed is charity (Sahih al Bukhari 6021).
Sadaqah on Eid al Fitr and Eid al Adha compared
Eid al Fitr closes a month of fasting. Giving centers on food, because Zakat al Fitr exists so that nobody goes hungry on the day. Add Sadaqah that brings clothing and gifts.
Eid al Adha falls on the tenth of Dhul Hijjah, inside the best ten days of the year. Good deeds in these days are more beloved to Allah than in any others (Sahih al Bukhari 969). Giving centers on the sacrifice and the sharing of meat. See our guide to giving in Dhul Hijjah for a full ten day plan.
Mistakes to avoid
- Paying Zakat al Fitr after the prayer. It then counts as ordinary charity.
- Counting Zakat al Fitr or Qurbani as your Sadaqah. They are separate duties.
- Sending Zakat to causes that do not qualify. Zakat has eight fixed categories. Sadaqah is open to all.
- Giving on the day and expecting same day delivery abroad. Give early.
- Giving what you would not accept yourself. Give from the good things you have earned (Surah Al Baqarah 2:267).
- Announcing your gift to be praised. Giving in secret is better for you (Surah Al Baqarah 2:271).
Give your Eid Sadaqah through MWA Charity
MWA Charity is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit based in the Chicago area, EIN 83-0841269. We deliver 100% of your donation to the project you choose. We then send photo and video proof, so you see your Eid gift arrive.
| Your Eid intention | MWA project |
|---|---|
| Food and treats for orphans | Dua Request. 250 dollars provides food and treats for over 50 orphans |
| Clothing for children | School Supplies and Uniforms in Uganda |
| A gift for refugees in the USA | Prayer Mats for Refugees |
| Water as Sadaqah Jariyah | Build a Water Well |
| Mobility for a disabled child | Give Mobility for 350 dollars |
| A small gift every day | Daily Donations |
Give a few days before Eid and let a family wake to a day of joy. May Allah (SWT) accept it from you. Eid Mubarak.
Frequently asked questions
Is it obligatory to give Sadaqah on Eid?
No. Sadaqah is voluntary. Zakat al Fitr is obligatory before the Eid al Fitr prayer, and Qurbani applies on Eid al Adha.
Is Sadaqat al Fitr the same as Sadaqah?
No. Sadaqat al Fitr is another name for Zakat al Fitr, which is obligatory. General Sadaqah is voluntary.
When is the best time to give Sadaqah on Eid?
Give two or three days before Eid so that it reaches people by Eid morning. Sadaqah given on the day or after it is still valid and rewarded.
How much Sadaqah should I give on Eid?
There is no set amount. Give what you can afford with a willing heart.
Can I give Sadaqah on Eid to non Muslims?
Yes. Voluntary Sadaqah may be given to any person in need.
Can I give Sadaqah to my own family?
Yes. Charity given to a relative in need is both charity and the upholding of family ties (Jami at Tirmidhi 658).
Can I give Sadaqah on behalf of my late parents?
Yes. Charity given for a parent who has died benefits them (Sahih al Bukhari 1388).
Can I give Qurbani money as Sadaqah instead?
No. Sadaqah does not replace the sacrifice. You may give both.
Is Sadaqah given on Eid tax deductible in the USA?
A gift to a registered 501(c)(3) charity is generally deductible if you itemize. Ask a tax professional about your own return.
