- What is Zakat al-Fitr?
Fitr means to break fast or to refrain from fasting. Hence the Eid after the fasts of Ramadān is called Eid-ul-Fitr, as it is the day of rejoicing after the completion of fasting. On this occasion of happiness, as a sign of gratitude, one has to give a specific amount of food in alms, which is called Zakāt-ul-Fitr. To purify and obtain complete blessings for the fasts of Ramadān one has to give Zakāt al-fitr.
It was reported by Ibn Abbās (may ALLĀH be pleased with them) that the Prophet ﷺ made Zakāt-ul-fitr compulsory so that those who fasted may be purified of their idle deeds and shameful talk (committed during Ramadān) and so that the poor may be fed. Whoever gives it before the prayer, it is Zakat-ul-Fitr, and whoever gives it after the prayer, it is ordinary charity.
{Abū Dawūd #1609}
Zakāt-ul-Fitr becomes obligatory on every Muslim, male or female, adult or child, at the end of Ramadān as long as he/she has the means to do so, even those who have not fasted during the month of Ramadān for any valid reason.
Ibn ‘Umar (may ALLĀH be pleased with them) said: “The Messenger of Allāh ﷺ made giving a saa’ of dates or a saa’ of barley as Zakāt-ul-Fitr an obligation for all Muslims, slave and free, male and female, young and old, and ordered that it should be given before the people went out to pray (Salāt-ul-Eid).”
{Al-Bukhari #1503 and Muslim #984}
NOTE: A saa’ is approximately equivalent to three kilograms. It is acceptable to give a saa’ of the local staple food such as rice etc.
🔸THE REASONS FOR GIVING ZAKĀT-UL-FITR 🔸
1 To give Zakāt-ul-Fitr in lieu of the acceptance of one’s fasting.
2 To thank ALLĀH for bestowing on us the strength to fast during the month of Ramadān.
3 To purify one’s fast and obtain the complete blessings of fasting.
4 To celebrate the completion of fasting.
5 To demonstrate the greatness of the day of Eid.
6 To assist the poor in joining the atmosphere of Eid.
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