|
subject |
Rituals and Customs |
|
topic |
Zakat (Purification Tax) |
|
grade |
Six |
|
time |
30 minutes |
|
objective |
To enable students to understand what Zakat is, and why it is one of Islam’s pillars. |
|
instructional material |
Info Sheet 6E – Zakat. Question Sheet 6E - Zakat |
INTRODUCTION
Zakat-ul-Fitr is
often referred to as Sadaqat-ul-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, Zakat-ul-Fitr is the name given to charity which
is distributed at the end of the fast of Ramadan.
The main purpose of Zakat-ul-Fitr is to provide those who fasted with the means
of making up for their errors during the month of fasting. Zakat-ul-Fitr also
provides the poor with a means with which they can celebrate the festival of
breaking the fast (`Eid-ul-Fitr) along with the rest of the Muslims.
DEVELOPMENT
Read the Info Sheet with the students.
REINFORCING ACTIVITIES
Let students do the Question Sheet.
1. MEANING
Zakat-ul-Fitr is often referred to as Sadaqat-ul-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, Zakat-ul-Fitr is the name given to
charity which is distributed at the end of the fast of Ramadan.
2. CLASSIFICATION
Sadaqat-ul-Fitr is a duty which is duty 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 of charity is compulsory can be found in the Sunnah
(Prophet’s life). Ibn `Umar reported
that the Prophet made Zakat-ul-Fitr compulsory on every slave, free man, male,
female, young and old among the Muslims:
one Saa`(two handfuls) of dried dates or one Saa` of barley. [collected by Bukhaaree - Arabic/English, vol. 2, p. 339, no.
579]
The head of the household may pay the required amount for the other members.
Abu Sa'eed al-Khudree said, "On behalf of our young and old, free men and slaves, we used to take out during God’s Messenger's
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 Zakat in the
circulation of wealth within the Islamic society is also played by the
Sadaqat-ul-Fitr. However, in the case of Sadaqat-ul-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, Sadaqat-ul-Fitr plays a very important role in the development of the
bonds of community. The rich are obliged to come in direct contact with the
poor, and the poor are put in contact with 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 Zakat-ul-Fitr is to provide those who fasted with the means
of making up for their errors during the month of fasting. Zakat-ul-Fitr also
provides the poor with a means with which they can celebrate the festival of
breaking the fast (`Eid-ul-Fitr) along with the rest of the Muslims.
Ibn Abbaas reported, "The Prophet made Zakat-ul-Fitr compulsory so that
those who fasted may be purified of their idle deeds and shameful talk
(committed during Ramadan) and so that the poor
may be fed. Whoever gives it before Salah will have it accepted as Zakat, while
he who gives it after the Salah has given Sadaqat." [collected
by Abu Dawood -
Hence, the goal of Sadaqat-ul-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 Islam
does not neglect man's material need, part of the goal of Zakat-ul-Fitr is the
economic well-being of the poorer members of society.
5. CONDITIONS
Zakat-ul-Fitr is only duty 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 Salat-ul-Eid (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) used to pay
Sadaqat-ul-Fitr a couple days before the `Eid.
Ibn `Umar reported that the Prophet ordered that it (Zakat-ul-Fitr) be given
before people go to make the Salat-ul-Eid.
And Ibn `Abbaas reported that the Prophet said, "Whoever gives it before
the Salat will have it accepted as Zakat, while he who gives it after the Salat
(will not, for it will only be considered as) ordinary charity. Therefore, one
who forgets to pay this Zakat-ul-Fitr on time should do so as soon as possible
even though it
will not be counted as Zakat-ul-Fitr.
6. RATE
The rate for Zakat-ul-Fitr is 2.5% of any assets
that have been idle for one whole year.
In other words, assets that have not been put into market (e.g. money
not invested, just sitting in the bank), nor worn (e.g. jewelry), nor otherwise
used (e.g. real estate). Zakat does not
always have to be money; it can be in other forms, as long as the value
complies with the guidelines.
1. What does “Zakat-ul-Fitr” mean? What is another word for it?
2. Is Zakat-ul-Fitr compulsory on every Muslim? Why?
3. What is the significance of Zakat-ul-Fitr?
4. What is the purpose of Zakat-ul-Fitr?
5. When should Zakat-ul-Fitr be given? What happens if someone forgets?
6. What is the rate for Zakat-ul-Fitr?