Sadaqat al-Fitr or Zakat al-Fitr is an obligatory charity that Muslims pay at the conclusion of Ramadan prior to the Eid al-Fitr prayer. Zakat al-Fitr is a purification to the Muslim who fasts and an alms to the poor individuals. Zakat al-Fitr focuses on bringing joy and dignity to all Muslims, be they poor or not, on Eid.
In this article, we are going to talk about what Zakat al-Fitr is, why we need it, who it is obligatory for, how to calculate it, and how it is to be given.
What is Zakat al-Fitr?
Zakat al-Fitr is an obligatory charity that all Muslims give at the end of Ramadan. In contrast to Zakat, which is paid on accumulated belongings, Zakat al-Fitr is a fixed amount that one must donate per person in the household.
The Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) also made Zakat al-Fitr obligatory for all Muslims, men and women, young and old, as long as they have sufficient to live one step above poverty.
The Function and Importance of Zakat al-Fitr
1. Cleansing Muslims Fasting
Ramadan fasting requires physical and spiritual self-discipline. There are, however, minor mistakes which can be committed, i.e., blaming people, arguing, or becoming careless in worship. Zakat al-Fitr is a cleansing from all such deficiencies.
2. Enabling the Poor to Celebrate Eid
Justice and compassion are the two supporting pillars of Islam. Zakat al-Fitr offers a chance even for poor people to celebrate Eid without the economic burden. The Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) said:
“The fast is held aloft between Heaven and Earth until Sadaqat al-Fitr is given.” (Hadith – Abu Dawood)
3. Strengthening the Muslim Community
Zakat al-Fitr fosters a sense of brotherhood and sympathy among the Muslim community through the condition that no one is hungry or in need during the festive period of Eid al-Fitr.
Who Must Pay Zakat al-Fitr?
Zakat al-Fitr is obligatory upon every Muslim possessing more than the minimum necessities. This is a brief overview of who must pay:
- Head of household: Parents and guardians must donate Zakat al-Fitr for their dependents and children.
- Everybody who has property: You must donate Zakat al-Fitr if you possess a collection of money and commodities more than you require.
- New-born baby: If the baby is born prior to the time of Eid prayer, Zakat al-Fitr must be given on behalf of him or her.
- Servants and slaves: Masters previously used to pay rather than their slaves.
How to Calculate Zakat al-Fitr?
The Standard Measurement
Zakat al-Fitr is normally paid in staple foods, i.e., wheat, barley, dates, or raisins. It is normally one Saa’ (approximately 2.5 to 3 kg) of the aforementioned food items per person.
The Modern Monetary Equivalent
Since nowadays people like to give cash instead of food, scholars allow giving in cash based on the price of staple food. The amount varies from country to country and based on staple food prices.
Example Calculation:
- Suppose 1 Saa’ of wheat is PKR 300 per head, so a family with 5 members will give PKR 1500 as Zakat al-Fitr.
- If 1 Saa’ of dates or barley is PKR 500 per head, then for 5 family members it would be PKR 2500.
When to Pay Zakat al-Fitr?
- Prior to Eid prayer: It must be paid before the Eid prayer so that it can reach the poor in time to celebrate Eid.
- At the end of Ramadan: It must be paid at the end of Ramadan so that its distribution is done in time.
- Late Payment: It will be charity but not Zakat al-Fitr if paid after the Eid prayer.
To Whom to Give Zakat al-Fitr?
Who are Zakat al-Fitr recipients? The same is accepted to provide Zakat, according to the Quran (Surah At-Tawbah 9:60). They are:
- The Poor (Al-Fuqara): People having no means of livelihood.
- The Needy (Al-Masakin): People who have no immediate means of meeting basic needs.
- People in Debt: Individuals saddled with financial issues.
- Travelers in Need: Needy travelers without the ability to return home.
- New Muslims (Muallafun Qulubuhum): Converts who are needy and need finances.
- For Causes of Allah: Supporting causes of Islam and philanthropic ventures.
The Most Favorable Way of Disbursing Zakat al-Fitr
In order for it to be distributed as near as possible to the true meaning of Zakat al-Fitr, it should be directly distributed to the poor in the form of food items or cash before Eid-ul-Fitr prayer. Some of the most popular methods of distribution are:
- Directly to poor families around you
- Through mosques and Islamic centers
- Through websites of charity giving it to the poor
Common Mistakes to Avoid in Zakat al-Fitr
- Delays in Payment: If paid after the Eid prayer, it is not fulfilling its purpose.
- Giving Less Than Required: There are some who unknowingly give less. Always check the right rate for your area.
- Ignoring the Poor of Your Region: Although online donations are convenient, donating to poor families in your region ensures tangible impact.
- Mixing up Zakat and Zakat al-Fitr: Normal Zakat is not identical with Zakat al-Fitr. Zakat is a yearly charity based on wealth, while Zakat al-Fitr is a modest collection contribution made upon the end of Ramadan.
Conclusion
Zakat al-Fitr is a wonderful obligation that balances cleansing the soul and feeding justice. It puts the poor and needy in a place where they can celebrate Eid with dignity while allowing Muslims to purify their fasts of any shortcomings.
To properly fulfill Zakat al-Fitr, don’t forget to:
- Pay before the Eid prayer
- Give the correct amount per person
- Split it among the right recipients
By giving Zakat al-Fitr, we are strengthening the bonds of brotherhood, kindness, and generosity between Muslim brothers. May Allah accept our fasting and charity, and may we remain always kind to the needy. Ameen!
FAQs About Zakat al-Fitr
- Can Zakat al-Fitr be given in money? Yes, most scholars permit paying the monetary value of staple food in lieu of solid food.
- What is Zakat al-Fitr for me? Also varies with how much 1 Saa’ (approximately 2.5-3 kg) of staple food is available in your area.
- If I am late in paying Zakat al-Fitr before the prayer of Eid? It would be a regular charity (Sadaqah) but will not complete the Zakat al-Fitr requirement.
- To whom do I pay Zakat al-Fitr? Pay it personally to the poor and needy or through charities and mosques.
- Can I pay Zakat al-Fitr online? Yes, subject to the guarantee by the portal that the funds reach the beneficiaries before Eid prayer.
By being knowledgeable and obedient to Zakat al-Fitr, we are contributing to the establishment of a gentler and fairer society, in which everyone can partake of the blessings of Eid-ul-Fitr.
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