Zakaat ul-Fitr -- don't forget!

--What is Zakaat ul-Fitr?

Zakaat ul-Fitr (often referred to as Sadaqat ul-Fitr) is the name given to charity which is given at the end of the fast of Ramadaan. The significant role played by Zakaah in the circulation of wealth within the Islamic society is also played by the Zakaat ul-Fitr.

Zakaat ul-Fitr is a duty which is waajib (obligatory) on every Muslim, whether male or female, minor or adult as long as he/she has the means to do so.

--Purpose of Zakaat ul-Fitr

The main purpose of Zakaat ul-Fitr is to provide those who fasted with the means of making up for their errors during the month of fasting. Zakaat ul-Fitr also provides the poor with a means with which they can celebrate the festival of breaking the fast (`Id ul-Fitr) along with the rest of the Muslims.

Ibn Abbaas reported, "The Prophet (sallallaahu 'alaihi wa sallam) made Zakaat ul-Fitr compulsory so that those who fasted may be purified of their idle deeds and shameful talk (committed during Ramadaan) and so that the poor may be fed." [Abu Dawud and Ibn Majah]

Hence, the goal of Zakaat ul-Fitr is the spiritual development of the Believers. By making them give up some of their wealth, the believers are taught the higher moral characteristics of generosity, compassion (sympathy for the unfortunate), gratitude to God and the righteousness. But, since Islaam does not neglect man's material need, part of the goal of Zakaat ul-Fitr is the economic well-being of the poorer members of society.

--When is Zakaat ul-Fitr due?

Ibn Abbaas reported that the Prophet (sallallaahu 'alaihi wa sallam) said, "If one pays Zakaat ul-Fitr before the Salaah (i.e., the 'Id prayer), it is considered an accepted Zakaah, if he pays it after the Salaah, it is considered an ordinary charity." [Abu Dawud]

Zakaat ul-Fitr thus becomes obligatory from sunset on the last day of fasting and remains obligatory until the beginning of Salaat ul-'Id (i.e. shortly after sunrise on the following day). However, it can be paid prior to the above mentioned period, as many of the Sahaabah (companions of the Prophet(sallallaahu 'alaihi wa sallam)) used to pay Zakaat ul-Fitr a couple days before the `Id.

Naafi' reported that the Prophet's companion Ibn `Umar used to give it to those who would accept it and the people used to give it a day or two before the `Id. [al-Bukhari]

Ibn `Umar reported that the Prophet (sallallaahu 'alaihi wa sallam) order that it (Zakaat ul-Fitr) be given before people go to make the Salaah (of 'Id).

One who forgets to pay this Zakaat ul-Fitr on time should do so as soon as possible even though it will not be counted as Zakaat ul-Fitr (it will be counted as Sadaqah -- see hadith above).

--Amount to be given as Zakaat ul-Fitr

The amount of Zakaah is the same for everyone regardless of their different income brackets. The minimum amount is one Saa` (a volume measure corresponding approximately to the volume of 5 lb of good wheat) of food, grain or dried fruit for each member of the family.

Ibn `Umar reported that the Prophet (sallallaahu `alaihi wa sallam) made Zakaat ul-Fitr compulsory on every slave, freeman, male, female, young and old among the Muslims: one Saa` of dried dates or one Saa` of barely. [al-Bukhari]

The head of the household may pay the required amount for the other members. Abu Sa'eed al-Khudree said, "On behalf of our young and old, free men and slaves, we used to take out during Allaah's Messenger's (sallallaahu 'alaihi wa sallam) lifetime one Saa` of grain, cheese or raisins". [Muslim]

According to Hanafi scholars, instead of giving grain as Zakaat ul-Fitr, one can pay the equivalent in currency. Each share of Zakaat ul-Fitr has been calculated to be Rs. 35/- for Mumbai and surrounding areas for this year (1428 H).

Zakaat ul-Fitr is to be given to the same eight categories of people (mentioned in the Qur'an, 9:60) as in the other types of Zakaah. Some scholars say that the poor and the needy are the most deserving ones since the Prophet (sallallaahu 'alaihi wa sallam) said that it had "...the purpose of providing food for the needy." (see hadith above)

Shared By brother Shamlan.