Anas (ra), a companion of prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) reported that when the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) migrated from Makkah to Madinah, the people of Madinah used to have two festivals. On those two days they had carnivals and festivity. Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) asked the Ansaar (the Muslims of Madinah) about it. They replied that before Islam they used to have carnivals on those two joyous days. The Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) told them: ‘Instead of those two days, Allah has appointed two other days which are better, the days of Eid-ul-Fitr and Eid-ul-Adha.’ (Hadith)

"Indeed whosoever purifies himself shall achieve success, and remembers (glorifies) the name of his Lord and prays" Quran 87:14-15

Zakat-UL-FITR is part of the fast of Ramadan and is characterized by the following elements:

• It consists of approximately 5.5 pounds of rice, wheat, dates, or similar food items.
• It is not recommended to give the Zakat-ul-Fitr in the form of money, clothes, or any other non-food items. However, the Hanafi School of Thought allows to give the Zakat-ul-Fitr in monetary form (if one wishes to do so.)
• It must be given on the day of Eid, which is known as Eid-ul-Fitr and signifies the end of the month-long fast of Ramadan. It can also be paid one or two days before Eid-ul-Fitr.
• It cannot be given after the Eid prayer, unless one has a valid reason for such a delay.
• It should be given on behalf of every Muslim, whether male or female, adult or minor.