When Should Zakat al-Fitr be Paid?

Zakat al-Fitr should be paid before the Eid al-Fitr prayer. Paying it a few days before Eid is recommended to ensure that it reaches those in need in time. However, if someone cannot pay it before Eid, it can still be paid during the first few days of Eid. It is important to remember that zakat al-Fitr is mandatory for every Muslim with enough food to last them through the Eid al-Fitr holiday. It must be paid before the Eid al-Fitr prayer to fulfill its obligation.