Zakaah al-Fitr
By Dr. Abu Ameenah Bilal Philips
Islamic Studies Vol. 1
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1. MEANING
Zakaah al-Fitr is often referred to as Sadaqah al-Fitr. The word Fitr
means the same as Iftaar, breaking a fast and it comes from the same
root word as Futoor which means breakfast. Thus, Islamically, Zakaah
al-Fitr is the name given to charity which is distributedat the end of
the fast of Ramadaan.
2. CLASSIFICATION
Sadaqah al-Fitr is a duty which is Waajib on every Muslim, whether
male or female, minor or adult as long as he/she has the means to do
so.
The proof that this form ofcharity is compulsory can be found in the
Sunnah whereby Ibn `Umar reported that the Prophet (sallallaahu
`alaihi wa sallam) made Zakaah al-Fitr compulsory on every slave,
freeman, male,female, young and old among the Muslims; one Saa` of
dried dates or one Saa` of barely. [collected by Bukhaaree -
Arabic/English, vol. 2, p. 339, no. 579]
The head of the householdmay pay the required amount for the other
members. Abu Sa'eed al-Khudree said, "On behalfof our young and old,
free men and slaves, we used to take out during Allaah's Messenger's
(sallallaahu 'alaihi wa sallam) lifetime one Saa` of grain, cheese or
raisins". [collected by Muslim - English transl. vol.2, p. 469, no.
2155]
3. SIGNIFICANCE
The significant role played by Zakaah in the circulation of wealth
within the Islamic society is also played by the Sadaqah al-Fitr.
However, in the case of Sadaqah al-Fitr, each individual is required
to calculate how much charity is due from himself and his dependents
and go into the community in order to find those who deserve such
charity. Thus, Sadaqah al-Fitr plays a very important role in the
development of the bonds of community. The rich areobliged to come in
direct contact with the poor, and the poor are put in contactwith the
extremely poor. This contact between the various levels of society
helps to build real bonds of brotherhood and love within the Islamic
community and trains those who have, to be generous to those who do
not have.
4. PURPOSE
The main purpose of Zakaah al-Fitr is to providethose who fasted with
the means of making up for their errors during the month of fasting.
Zakaah al-Fitr also provides the poor with a means with which they can
celebrate the festival of breaking thefast (`Eed al-Fitr) along with
the rest of the Muslims.
Ibn Abbaas reported, "The Prophet (sallallaahu 'alaihi wa sallam) made
Zakaah al-Fitr compulsory so that those who fasted may be purified of
their idle deeds and shameful talk (committed during Ramadaan) and so
that thepoor may be fed. Whoevergives it before Salaah will have it
accepted as Zakaah,while he who gives it afterthe Salaah has given
Sadaqah." [collected by Abu Dawood - Eng. transl. vol. 2, p. 421, no.
1605 - rated Saheeh by Shaikh Naser Al-Albanee]
Hence, the goal of Sadaqahal-Fitr is the spiritual development of the
Believers. By making them give up some of their wealth, the believers
are taught the higher moral characteristics of generosity, compassion
(sympathy for the unfortunate), gratitude to God and the
righteousness.But, since Islaam does not neglect man's material need,
part of the goal of Zakaah al-Fitr is the economic well-being of the
poorer members of society.
5. CONDITIONS
Zakaah al-Fitr is only Waajib for a particular period of time. If one
misses the time period without a good reason, he has sinned and can
not make it up. This form of charity becomes obligatory from sunset on
the last day of fasting and remains obligatory until the beginning of
Salaah al-'Eed' (i.e. shortly after sunrise on the following day).
However, it can be paid prior to the above mentioned period, as many
of the Sahaabah (companions of the Prophet(sallallaahu 'alaihi wa
sallam) ) used to pay Sadaqah al-Fitr a couple days before the `Eed.
Naafi reported that the Prophet's companion Ibn `Umar used to give it
to those who would accept it and the people used to give it a day or
two beforethe `Eed. [collected by al-Bukhaaree - Arabic/English, Vol.
2, p.339, no. 579]
Ibn `Umar reported that the Prophet (sallallaahu 'alaihi wa sallam)
order that it (Zakaah al-Fitr) be given before people go to make the
Salaah (al-'Eed).
And Ibn `Abbaas reported that the Prophet (sallallaahu 'alaihi wa
sallam) said, "Whoever gives it before the Salaah will have it
accepted as Zakaah, while he who gives it after the Salaah (will not,
for it will only be considered as) ordinary charity." Therefore, one
who forgets to pay this Zakaah al-Fitr on time should do so as soon as
possible even though it will not be counted as Zakaah al-Fitr. ...
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