Zakaatul-Fitr and the 'Eed

Zakaatul-Fitr
Zakaatul-Fitr is an obligatory charity on every Muslim at the end of
the month of Ramadan. Ibn 'Umar said: "The Prophet,sallaallahu alayhi
wa sallam, enjoined the payment of one Sa'a(a volume measure
corresponding approximately to the volume of 5 lb) of dates or one
Sa'a of barley as Zakaat al-Fitron every Muslim, young and old, male
and female, free and slave." [Al-Bukhaari and Muslim]
The purpose of Zakat al-Fitr is to purify the one who has fasted from
any type of indecent act or speech he might have committedwhile
fasting. It also helps the poor and the needy. Ibn 'Abbaas said: "The
Messanger of Allah,sallaallahu alayhi wa sallam, enjoined Zakaat
al-Fitr on the onewho fasts to shield him from any indecent act or
speech and for the purpose of providing food forthe needy." [Abu
Daawood and Ibn Maajah]
The Amount of Zakaatul-Fitr
As the first hadeeth indicated, the amount of Zakaatul-Fitr is one
Sa'a. Sa'a is a volume measure corresponding approximately to the
volume of 5lb of good wheat. The material ofthe Zakaat can be either
dates, barley, wheat, rice, corn or similar items considered as basic
foods. Abu Sa'eed, may Allaah be pleasdd with him, said: "We usedto
give for Zakaatul-Fitr on behalf of every child, aged person, free man
or slave during the lifetime of the Messanger of Allaah, sallaallahu
alayhi wa sallam, one Sa'a of food, or one Sa'a of dried yogurt, or
one Sa'a of barley, or one Sa'a of dates, or one Sa'a of raisins."
[Al-Bukhaari and Muslim]
The Time for Zakaatul-Fitr
Zakaatul-Fitr has to be paid by the end of Ramadhaan. There are two
times to pay Zakaatul-Fitr. Either one or two days before 'Eed as
'Umar used to do, or the day of 'Eed before the 'Eed prayer. Ibn 'Umar
reported that the Prophet, sallaallahu alayhi wa sallam, ordered them
to pay Zakaatul-Fitr before they go out to perform the 'Eed prayer. If
Zakaatul-Fitr is paid after the 'Eed prayer, it will only be
considered as regular charity. The Prophet, sallaallahu alayhi
wasallam, said: "If one pays Zakat al-Fitr before the Salat, it is
considered an accepted Zakat, if he pays it after the Salat, it is
considered an ordinary charity." [Abu Daawood]
Zakaatul-Fitr is to be given to the same eight categories or people as
in the other types of Zakat. Some scholars say that the poor and the
needy are the most deserving ones since the Prophet,sallaallahu alayhi
wa sallam, said that it had "...the purpose of providing food for the
needy."
'Eed al-Fitr
Playing, recreation, and eating onthe day of 'Eed:
These are permissible as log as they stay within the acceptable bounds
of Islam. Anas said: When the Prophet, sallaallahu alayhi wa sallam,
came to Al-Madeenah, they had two days for amusement. The Prophet,
sallaallahu alayhi wa sallam, has exchanged these days for two better
days: the day of breaking the fast and the day of sacrifice.
[An-Nasaa'i and Ibn Hibbaan]
Taking women and children to the prayer area:
The Prophet sallaallahu alayhi wa sallam, used to take his wives and
daughters to the two 'Eeds. Umm Atiyah, may Allaah be pleasd with her,
said: "We were ordered to go out with the singleand menstruating women
to the two 'Eeds in order to witness the good and the supplications of
theMuslims. The menstruating women though would stay away from the
prayer area." [Al-Bukhaari and Muslim]
Going to the prayer area:
The Prophet, sallaallahu alayhi wasallam, used to go to the prayer
area on foot. Jaaber narrated: "Onthe days of 'Eed, the Prophet,
sallaallahu alayhi wa sallam, would go to the prayer area by one route
and come back by another route." [Al-Bukhaari]
Eating before going to the prayer area:
Since 'Eed al-Fitr is the day on which Muslims break their Ramadhaan
fast, it is preferable to eat before going to the 'Eed prayer. It is a
Sunnah of the Prophet, sallaallahu alayhi wa sallam, to eat an odd
number of dates before going to pray Salaat al-'Eed. Anas reported:
"The Prophet, sallaallahu alayhi wa sallam, would not go out on the
day of 'Eed al-Fitr without eating an odd number of dates."
[Al-Bukhaari]
Preparation for 'Eed prayer:
It is preferred to make Ghusl (take a bath), wear one's best clothes
and, for men, to put perfume before going to Salaat al-'Eed. Ibn
Al-Qayyim said:"The Prophet, sallaallahu alayhi wa sallam, used to
wear his best clothes for the 'Eed prayers and he had clothes that he
reserved for the two 'Eeds and Jumu'ah."
Making Takbeer:
Takbeer starts from the night of 'Eed's eve until the Imaam comesout
to start the prayer. Allaah Says (which means): "Allah intends for you
ease and does not intend for you hardship and [wants] for you to
complete the period and to glorify Allah (i.e., say Takbeer) for that
[to] which He has guided you; and perhaps you will be grateful."
[Quran; 2: 185] The form of takbeer is related by 'Umar and Ibn
Mas'ood: "Allahu Akbar, Allahu Akbar, La illaha illallaah. Allahu
Akbar. Allahu Akbar wa lillaahil-hamd."
Congratulating each other:
It has been narrated that when the Prophet's companions met each other
on the 'Eed day, they would say to each other:"May Allah accept from
us and from you." [Ahmad]

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