When Zakat al-Fithr is due

When is the time to pay zakat al-fithri?

Time to pay zakat is during the month of Ramadan. Every Muslim is allowed to pay this kind zakat since the beginning of Ramadan. The deadline for paying zakat al-fithri is before the Eid prayer.

The meaning of zakat al-fithri is related to the fasting in month of Ramadhan.  The word al-fithri is closed to the word Ifthar (Arabic: إفطار‎)  means to break the fast. It is obligated to complete fasting in the month of ramadhan.

What is the exact  time limit for patying zakat al-fithri?

According to Al-Shafi'i, the last time for paying zakat is the sunset of the last day of Ramadhan. Actually Shafi'i has two opinion according to the limit time for paying zakat. The second opinion is that Zakat-ul-Fitr is due at the start of Fajr (dawn) on the day of Eid. This opinion sees that Zakat al-fithri is related to the eid itself.

How is the status of zakat which is paid after Eid Prayer (shalat Id)?
 

Zakat which is paid after the eid prayer considered as regular charity. it is not considered as zakat al-fithri.