By Abubakar Siddiq Ibn Usman
As the holy month of Ramadan comes to an end in a few days, it is important to draw attention and also remind Muslims of the benefits of paying Zakat Al-Fitr.
Zakat Al-Fitr is a Zakah/Sadaqah which is given out at the end of the month of Ramadan by every Muslim, small or old, male or female, whether free or a slave.
This act is intended to purify the fasting person from any indecent act or speech committed during fasting and to provide assistance to those in need, allowing them to partake in the Eid al-Fitr festivities.
OBLIGATION?
The Messenger of Allah obligated it upon the slave, the free, the male, the female, the young and the old Muslim. The source is Sahih Bukari, 1503
WHEN?
One or two days before the
Eid prayer, i.e., the twenty-ninth day of Ramadan onwards, It should not be delayed until after the Eid prayer. This is because the aim for the Zakat Al-Fitr is to put smile on the faces of every less privilege Muslims.
Grains like Maize Corn, Millet, Guinea Corn among other grains that have to undergo thorough process should be distributed two days or a day to Eid celebration to enable those at the receiving end process it in due time.
Unlike rice, beans can even be given on the morning of Eid because of its swift nature of preparation.
Another thing Muslim should take note of while given zakat-tul-fitr is given from that which you value too. A Muslim that has the intention of giving zakat-tul-fitr should give out what if given in return he/she would appreciate it.
Allah (SWA) said in the Holy Qur’an.(Q3.V92), By no means shall you attain Al-Birr (piety, righteousness, etc., it means here Allah’s Reward, i.e. Paradise), unless you spend (in Allah’s Cause) of that which you love; and whatever of good you spend, Allah knows it well.
WHO GETS IT?
The poor and needy. The majority of scholars are of the opinion that Zakah al-Fitr should only be given to Muslims.
WHO DOES IT APPLY TO?
Everyone. If a person finds that he or she has a surplus of property after having catered for his core needs on the day and night of Eid such as food, shelter, clothes. It is expected of a person to give this on his or her own behalf and on behalf of all Muslims who are dependent upon him.
WHAT SHOULD BE GIVEN?
Zakah al-Fitr should be given out from any of the essential foods of the country in which one resides.
Abū Sa’id al-Khudri, said. ‘We would give Zakah al-Fitr as a Sa’a of food, or a Sa’a of barley, or a Sa’a of dates, or a Sa’a of dry cheese, or a Sa’a of raisins.
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HOW MUCH IS ‘ONE SA’A”?
A sa’a is an ancient measure of volume, and various scholars have struggled to interpret this amount in modern measurements.
The most common understanding is that one sa’a is equivalent to 2.5 kilograms (5 pounds) of wheat.
MONETARY VALUE AS ZAKAH AL-FITR?
The food itself should be given and not a monetary value. If a Muslim is able to find someone who is deserving of the Sa’a of food. If he does not find anyone then the amount should be given to an Islamic organisation with the intention that they will give it as a Sa’ of food to someone deserving.
