Understanding Zakat al-Fitr: An Essential Act of Charity
Do you know that Zakat al-Fitr...?!
-Is the charity given to the poor and the needy at the end of the holy month of Ramadan
-Is a compulsory duty (wajib) for every Muslim, regardless of gender, age, or status, as long as they have the means (more food than needed for their household for a day).
-Enables the poor and needy to celebrate ‘Eid al-Fitr along with the rest of the Muslim community, expressing gratitude to Allah for completing the fast.
- Promotes the circulation of wealth, strengthens bonds of brotherhood, love, and generosity within the Islamic society.
- Becomes obligatory from the last day of Ramadan or two days before the ‘Eid prayer.
- Is quantified as a Saa’ (four double handfuls of an average-sized man), four Mudus, three Derica, or 12 Peak milk tins of food, grain, or dried fruits per family member, regardless of income differences. Even a newborn baby on the last day of Ramadan should be included.
-Purifies the giver from any indecent acts or speech during the fast, enhancing their rewards. This is classified as hasan by al-Albaani in Saheeh Sunan Abi Dawood.
And know that...
- Zakat al-Fitr is acceptable when given before the ‘Eid al-Fitr prayer but counts as regular sadaqah if given after the prayer.
- You should give Zakat al-Fitr where you are during ‘Eid, not necessarily in your hometown. Someone can give it on your behalf, and giving it during Umrah is more rewarding.
- Paying Zakat al-Fitr in cash is not recommended by Allah, the Prophet (peace be upon him), his companions, or the majority of scholars. Despite the existence of dinar and dirham during the Prophet’s time, neither he nor his companions used cash for Zakat al-Fitr. As Zakat al-Fitr is an act of worship, we should not alter its prescribed form if we seek Allah’s reward.
In cases where there are no eligible recipients nearby, one should delegate their family or an agent to distribute foodstuff on their behalf elsewhere. However, if there are needy people nearby, it is impermissible to send it elsewhere. (Majmoo’ Fataawa Ibn ‘Uthaymeen, 18/Question No. 771, 18/Question No. 102)
Note: You can add cash as sadaqah to the foodstuff you are giving out, but it is not compulsory.
- Beneficiaries of Zakat al-Fitr are the poor and the needy, regardless of whether they are your relatives, as long as their feeding is not compulsory on you.
My Brethren!
Give Zakat al-Fitr from foodstuff that you would be happy to receive if you were in the position of the poor. Allah says, “O you who have believed, spend from the good things which you have earned and from that which We have produced for you from the earth. And do not aim toward the defective therefrom, spending [from that] while you would not take it [yourself] except with closed eyes. And know that Allah is Free of need and Praiseworthy.” (Q2:267).
So, give what will make the receiver happy; you will be rewarded, and you will revive the authentic sunnah of the Prophet (peace be upon him). The receiver will feel your sincere obedience to Allah and His Messenger (peace be upon him) by receiving something beneficial during this period.
References:** Fatawa Ibn Taymiah 25/74, Fatawa Imra’ah Muslimah 205, Mugni 1/402, 3/56, Sharhu Fath Qadeer, Bukhari 1426–1511, Muslim 984–986, Daud 1609–1629, Sahih Fiqh Sunnah 2/79, Jami’ liahkam Fiqh Sunnah 2/126.
May Allah grant us an understanding of His religion and accept this as an act of worship.