In The Name of Allah Most Gracious Most Merciful


Zakat ul-Fiter
An important obligation in Islam
Refrence: Fiqh us-Sunnah by Sayyid Sabiq

What is Zakat ul-Fitr?
Zakat ul-Fitr is a type of sadaqah that must be paid for Muslim, regardless of age and gender, before Eid ul-Fitr.
Zakat-ul-Fitr is a type of sadaqah that must be paid by every Muslim, young and old, male and female. It was made obligatory in the month of Sha'ban in the second year of Hijrah. Its purpose is to purify one who fasts from any indecent act or speech and to help the poor and the needy. It is incumbent on every Muslim who possesses a minimum amount (one Sa') of food that is in excess of the basic food needed for himself, his wife, children and other household members.
Who must pay Zakat ul-Fitr?
Zakat ul-Fitr is incumbent on every Muslim who possesses one sa'(approximately 3 kg) of Dates or barley which is not needed as basic food for himself and his family.
What is the amount of Zakat ul-Fitr?
The required amount is one sa'(approximately 3 kg) wheat, barley, raisins, dry cottage cheese, rice, corn or similar items considered as basic food. Scholars consider it permissible to give an equivalent amount of money to be spent on food. Most Islamic sources in the United States have suggested an amount between $7.0 and $10.0 per each family member.
When should I give Zakat ul-Fitr?
Zakat ul-Fitr is due a day or two before the Eid. According to Abu Hanifah, it is permissible to pay before Ramadan, Ash-Shafi holds that it must be given any time during Ramadan, and Imam Malik and Hanbal maintain that it is permissible to pay only during the last two days of Ramaddan.
How is Zakat different from Zakat ul-Fitr?
Zakat is one of the five pillars of Islam, due once a year only by those who possess a certain minimum (nisaab) of wealth. The recipients of Zakat are restricted to the eight categories mention in the Qur'an (10:60). Zakat ul-Fitr is an obligation on all Muslim, and can be given to any Muslim.
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