Zakatul-Fitr

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Every Muslim earnestly implores Allah to accept his Fasting. Zakatul-Fitr was declared by the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) as a prerequisite for the acceptance of fasting. It is meant to cement the relationship between the members of the Muslim society, to alleviate the pain of the poor, to cultivate the sense of brotherhood and solidarity in the hearts of the Muslims, etc.

Zakatul-Fitr is obligatory upon every (capable) Muslim, whether male or female. The head of the household must pay this amount on behalf of his own self and on behalf of his spouse, children and even servants.

Ibn `Umar (may Allah be pleased with them both) said, “The Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) enjoined the payment of one Sa` (2.176 kilograms) of dates or one Sa` of barley as Zakatul-Fitr on every Muslim, young and old, male and female, free and slave.” (Reported by Al-Bukhari and Muslim).

Various reasons are given by scholars for this obligatory charity. Some say that this charity helps the poor and needy and takes care of their needs in the month of Ramadan and also makes it possible for them to celebrate the `Eid festival with other Muslims. Other scholars maintain that this charity is meant to expiate (Kaffarah) for any mistakes or wrongdoings a person may have done during this blessed month. Ibn `Abbas said: The Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) enjoined Zakatul-Fitr so that those who fast are purified of their sins and the poor and needy people are enabled to arrange for their basic needs of food, clothing, etc. Therefore, the Sadaqah (charity) of the person who gives before the `Eid prayer is the real Sadaqah, but if someone delays and gives it afterwards, his charity will be an ordinary one. (Reported by Abu Dawud and Ibn Majah)

The amount of Zakatul-Fitr was fixed by the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him). Some jurists also allow paying cash to the poor and needy. This Sadaqah should be given during Ramadan, at any time, but before the `Eidul-Fitr prayer. The Sadaqah should be given to the poor.

Parent page: About Ramadan