Zakatul Fitr
ZAKATUL FITR
£7.00 per Person
Account Name: DARUL IHSAAN BARKING
Sort Code:
51-70-57
Account Number:
89275926
Reference:
Fitr
As the blessed month of Ramadan draws to a close, Muslims around the world prepare to celebrate Eid al-Fitr. Integral to this celebration is the giving of Zakat al-Fitr, a mandatory act of charity that holds deep spiritual and communal significance.
Definition and Purpose
Definition and Purpose Zakat al-Fitr, also known as Sadaqat al-Fitr, is an obligatory charity that every Muslim—regardless of age, gender, or social status—is required to pay at the conclusion of Ramadan. This act serves multiple purposes:
- Purification of the Fasting Individual: It cleanses the fasting person from any indecent act or speech committed during Ramadan. Ibn ‘Abbas (may Allah be pleased with him) reported that the Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings be upon him) enjoined Zakat al-Fitr “to purify those who fast from any indecent act or speech and to help the poor and needy.”
- Provision for the Needy: It ensures that the less fortunate can partake in the joy and festivities of Eid without facing financial hardship.
Obligation and Eligibility
The obligation of Zakat al-Fitr extends to every Muslim who possesses food exceeding their needs for the day and night of Eid. This includes dependents; thus, the head of the household must pay on behalf of each family member. Ibn ‘Umar (may Allah be pleased with him) narrated that the Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings be upon him) prescribed Zakat al-Fitr “on every slave or freeman, male or female, young or old among the Muslims.”
Measurement and Calculation
The prescribed amount of Zakat al-Fitr is one sa’ of staple food. A sa’ is a traditional Islamic measure equivalent to four double handfuls, approximately 2.6 to 3 kilograms. The staple food can vary based on local dietary customs and may include items like dates, barley, raisins, or wheat.
Abu Sa’id al-Khudri (may Allah be pleased with him) reported: “We used to give one sa’ of food or one sa’ of dates or one sa’ of barley or one sa’ of raisins or one sa’ of dried yogurt.”
In contemporary settings, many scholars permit the monetary equivalent of this food amount to be given, facilitating easier distribution and addressing the immediate needs of recipients. The exact monetary value can vary based on local food prices. Most organisations in the UK have set the Zakat al-Fitr amount at a figure in the approximate range of £5-£10 per person depending on how things are sourced.
Timing of Payment
Zakat al-Fitr becomes obligatory at sunset on the last day of Ramadan and must be distributed before the Eid prayer. Ibn ‘Umar (may Allah be pleased with him) reported that the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) ordered that it be given before people go out to perform the Eid prayer. However, it is permissible to pay it a day or two in advance to ensure it reaches those in need in time for Eid.
Recipients of Zakat al-Fitr
The primary recipients are the poor and needy, enabling them to join in the Eid celebrations without hardship. This distribution fosters a sense of unity and compassion within the Muslim community, ensuring that joy is shared by all.
Consequences of Delayed Payment
Delaying Zakat al-Fitr beyond the Eid prayer without a valid reason is considered sinful. If missed, it remains a debt upon the individual and must be fulfilled as soon as possible. However, giving it after the Eid prayer is regarded as regular charity (sadaqah) and does not fulfill the specific obligation of Zakat al-Fitr.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is obligated to pay Zakat al-Fitr?Every Muslim who possesses surplus food beyond their needs for the day and night of Eid is required to pay Zakat al-Fitr. This obligation extends to dependents, meaning the head of the household must pay on behalf of each family member, including children and servants.
Who is obligated to pay Zakat al-Fitr?Every Muslim who possesses surplus food beyond their needs for the day and night of Eid is required to pay Zakat al-Fitr. This obligation extends to dependents, meaning the head of the household must pay on behalf of each family member, including children and servants.
Can Zakat al-Fitr be given in monetary form?While the traditional practice is to give Zakat al-Fitr in the form of staple foods, many scholars permit giving its monetary equivalent to address the immediate needs of recipients and facilitate easier distribution. However, it’s essential to consult local scholars or community leaders, as practices may vary based on regional customs and interpretations.
What is the consequence of not paying Zakat al-Fitr on time?Failing to pay Zakat al-Fitr before the Eid prayer without a valid reason is considered sinful. If missed, it remains a debt upon the individual and must be fulfilled as soon as possible. Paying it after the Eid prayer is regarded as regular charity (sadaqah) and does not fulfill the specific obligation of Zakat al-Fitr.
Can Zakat al-Fitr be paid on behalf of someone else?Yes, the head of the household is responsible for paying Zakat al-Fitr on behalf of all dependents, including children, spouses, and any other dependents under their care.
Is there a difference between Zakat al-Fitr and regular Zakat (Zakat al-Mal)?Yes, Zakat al-Fitr is a specific charity given at the end of Ramadan to purify the fasting person and assist the needy during Eid. In contrast, Zakat al-Mal is an annual obligatory almsgiving based on accumulated wealth and is one of the Five Pillars of Islam.