One of the Islamic duties that has great spiritual and societal significance is zakat Al-Fitr. It is not only a way to cleanse oneself after completing the Ramadan fast but it is also a way to show compassion for others particularly the underprivileged so they can joyfully celebrate Eid Al-Fitr. The fiqh of Zakat Al-Fitr will be thoroughly covered in this article along with its protocols, schedule and distribution location.
The Meaning of Zakat Al-Fitr
Every Muslim male or female, adult or child is required to give zakat Al-Fitr between the last 10 days of Ramadan until the prayer before Eid Al-Fitr. As stipulated by Islamic law, it is paid in the form of staple foods like rice, wheat or dates in a certain quantity. The dual goals of zakat Al-Fitr are to help those in need and to cleanse the fasting individual of idle chatter and impolite conduct.
Zakat Al-Fitr’s Ruling and Obligation
According to the hadith of the Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) from Anas bin Malik Radhiyallahu anh, , zakat Al-Fitr is required:
“The Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) enjoined Zakat Al-Fitr as a purification for the fasting person from idle talk and indecent behavior, and as food for the poor.” (Narrated by Abu Dawood).
Zakat Al-Fitr is a duty that all Muslims who have extra food for themselves and their family on the night and day of Eid Al-Fitr must fulfill. It is a personal obligation encompassing oneself and those in ones care including dependent, parents, spouses and kids.
Also read:Zakat: Is It Better to Distribute It Yourself or Through an Organization?
When Zakat Al-Fitr is Given
Zakat Al-Fitr is distributed according to certain times: it is acceptable from the last 10 Days of Ramadan until the end of the month, it is advised(sunnah) to do so from sunset on the last day of Ramadan until before the Eid prayer, it is disliked(makruh) from the time of the Eid prayer until sunset on the day of Eid and it is forbidden unless there is a good reason after the day of Eid has passed although it is still required to be paid as a make-up (qadha) for the missed duty.
For whom is Zakat Al-Fitr Mandatory?
Every Muslim male or female, adult or child who has extra food for themselves and their family on the night and day of Eid Al-Fitr is required to pay zakat Al-Fitr. Zakat Al-Fitr must be paid by the household head on behalf of themselves and any dependents including dependent parents, spouses and children. This means that zakat Al-Fitr represents a Muslims social duty to their family in addition to being an individual duty
Also read:Finish Poverty with Zakat: How to do it?
Zakat Al-Fitr Recipients
The poor and needy who dont have enough food for Eid are the only recipients of zakat Al-Fitr. This is in line with the goal of Zakat Al-Fitr which is to make people happy during Eid Al-Fitr by providing for those in need. The most deserving recipients are the poor and needy as they are unable to meet their basic needs particularly on holidays like Eid.
Where Should We Give Zakat Al-Fitr?
It is ideal for zakat Al-Fitr to be given out where a person resides on Eid Al-Fitr. If someone is abroad for instance they might donate Zakat Al-Fitr to the underprivileged there. However as long as the worthy recipients receive it prior to Eid it is also acceptable for someone to send Zakat Al-Fitr to their family or hometown. Making sure that Zakat Al-Fitr directly helps those in need is the guiding idea.
Also read:Sustainable Management of Zakat Assets Based on Crowdfunding
Giving Zakat Al-Fitr: A Guide
An intention (niyyah) is a basic prerequisite for Zakat Al-Fitr. Simple sadaqah charity with same amount of food can’t be considered Zalat Al-Fitr . Zakat Al-Fitr is paid in the form of staple food which is equal to one sa (roughly 2.5–3 kg) per person to the underprivileged and destitute is required. Making sure the zakat reaches the recipients prior to the Eid prayer is essential.
In Conclusion
It is imperative that no Muslim overlook the duty of zakat Al-Fitr. On-time Zakat Al-Fitr payment is a sign of compassion for others as well as obedience to Allah. We can fulfill this obligation more efficiently and mindfully if we have a thorough understanding of the fiqh of Zakat Al-Fitr. May the Zakat Al-Fitr we offer fulfill our fasting cleanse our souls and make people happy who are less fortunate.
Also read:Practical Guide to Zakat Fitrah
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References
- Muslim.or.id. (n.d.). Brief Fiqh on Zakat Al-Fitr. Retrieved from https://muslim.or.id/26035-fikih-ringkas-seputar-zakat-fitri.html
- Alukah.net. (n.d.). Fiqh of Zakat Al-Fitr. Retrieved from https://www.alukah.net/spotlight/0/117553/%D9%81%D9%82%D9%87-%D8%B2%D9%83%D8%A7%D8%A9-%D8%A7%D9%84%D9%81%D8%B7%D8%B1-%D8%A8%D8%A7%D9%84%D8%AA%D9%81%D8%B5%D9%8A%D9%84-%D8%B9%D9%84%D9%89-%D8%A7%D9%84%D9%85%D8%B0%D8%A7%D9%87%D8%A8-%D8%A7%D9%84%D9%81%D9%82%D9%87%D9%8A%D8%A9-%D8%A7%D9%84%D8%A3%D8%B1%D8%A8%D8%B9%D8%A9/
- IslamOnline. (n.d.). Fiqh of Zakat Al-Fitr. Retrieved from https://islamonline.net/%D9%81%D9%82%D9%87-%D8%B2%D9%83%D8%A7%D8%A9-%D8%A7%D9%84%D9%81%D8%B7%D8%B1/
- IslamQA. (n.d.). Brief Rulings on Zakat Al-Fitr. Retrieved from https://islamqa.info/ar/articles/69/%D8%A7%D8%AD%D9%83%D8%A7%D9%85-%D9%85%D8%AE%D8%AA%D8%B5%D8%B1%D8%A9-%D9%81%D9%8A-%D8%B2%D9%83%D8%A7%D8%A9-%D8%A7%D9%84%D9%81%D8%B7%D8%B1
