Zakat-al-Fitr

Zakat al-Fitr is often referred to as Sadaqah al-Fitr. The word Fitr means the same as Iftar, breaking a fast. Thus, Islamically, Zakat al-Fitr is the name given to charity which is distributed at the end of the Fast of Ramadan.

“Prophet Muhammad (Peace be upon him) ordained Zakat al Fitr [Fitra] to purify the Fasting Person from indecent Words or Actions and to provide Food for the Needy.” [Abu Dawud & Ibn Majah]

- It is a mandatory charity due on every Muslim at the end of Ramadan, regardless of age or gender.

- Fitra must be paid within the month of Ramadan. It must be paid before the Eid prayer begins so that those in need can benefit in time for Eid.

"Prophet (Peace be upon him) ordered the people to pay Zakat al Fitr before going to the Eid prayer." [Bukhari]

Ibn Abbas narrates:

“It is accepted as Zakat for the person who gives it before the Eid prayer; but it is a mere Sadaqah for the one who gives it after the prayer.” [Abu Dawud]

- Sadaqah al-Fitr is a duty which is Wajib on every Muslim, whether Male or Female, Minor or Adult as long as he/she has the means to do so.

- Ibn Umar reported that the Prophet (Peace be upon him) made Zakat al-Fitr compulsory on every Slave, Freeman, Male, Female, Young and Old among the Muslims; 1 Sāʿ of dried dates or 1 Sāʿ of barley. The head of the household may pay the required amount for the other members.

Note: Abu Sa'ed al-Khudri said: "On behalf of our young and old, free men and slaves, we used to take out during Allah's Messenger's (Peace be upon him) lifetime 1 Sāʿ of Grain, Cheese or Raisins."

Note: The Sāʿ is especially important for the measurement of the Zakat al-fitr, a beautiful alms-giving that must be done on Eid al-Fitr. This alms has the value of 1 Sāʿ of grain per family member.

- The amount of grain for the Zakat al-Fitr can also be measured with the two hands held together; 4 of these double handfuls are considered equal to one Sāʿ.

Note: 1 "Sāʿ of the Prophet" (Sā' an-Nabi) = 3.25 kg of Wheat

SIGNIFICANCE OF ZAKAT AL-FITR

The significant role played by Zakat in the circulation of wealth within the Islamic society is also played by the Sadaqah al-Fitr.

- Each individual is required to calculate how much charity is due from himself and his dependents and go into the community in order to find those who deserve such charity.

Thus, Sadaqah al-Fitr plays a very important role in the development of the bonds of community. The rich are obliged to come in direct contact with the poor, and the poor are put in contact with the extremely poor.

- This contact between the various levels of society helps to build real bonds of brotherhood and love within the Islamic community and trains those who have, to be generous to those who do not have.

PURPOSE OF SADAQAH AL-FITR

The main purpose of Zakat al-Fitr is to provide the poor which they can celebrate the festival of breaking the fast (Eid al-Fitr) along with the rest of the Muslims.

- Every Muslim is required to pay Zakat al-Fitr at the conclusion of the month of Ramadan as a token of thankfulness to God for having enabled him or her to observe the obligatory fast.

- As a levy on the fasting person: The Prophet of Allah said, "The fasting of the month of Ramadan will be hanging between Earth and Heavens and it will not be raised up to the Divine Presence without paying the Zakat al-Fitr."

- To purify those who fast from any indecent act or speech and to help the poor and needy: “The Prophet of Allah enjoined Zakat al-Fitr on those who fast to shield them from any indecent act or speech, and for the purpose of providing food for the needy.”

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