Zakat al-Fitr is a mandatory charity given by Muslims before the Eid al-Fitr prayer. It is obligatory for those who can afford it. The ruling is that it is required for every free Muslim, regardless of gender or age, to give a specific amount of charity, typically equivalent to a saa' (measurement) of dates, barley, or a similar staple food. This charity is meant to purify those who fast from any indecent act or speech and to help the poor and needy. Abdullah bin Umar (may Allah be pleased with them both) reported that the Messenger of Allah ﷺ said: "The obligation of Zakat al-Fitr is incumbent on every Muslim, free or slave, male or female, young or old – one Sa' of dates or one Sa' of barley." [Sahih al-Bukhari 1504].
The wisdom behind the legislation of Zakat al-Fitr is to purify the fasting person from idle talk and obscenities. It also aims to enable the poor and needy to partake in the joy of Eid and secure their basic needs.
Zakat al-Fitr was instituted in the second year of the Hijra, the same year in which fasting during Ramadan was prescribed by Allah. Its legitimacy is supported by various authentic Hadiths, including one narrated by Abu Sa'id al-Khudri, "We used to give Zakat al-Fitr while the Messenger of Allah was among us." [Sahih Muslim]. Another narration by Ibn Abbas states, "The Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) enjoined Zakat al-Fitr to purify those who fast from any indecent act or speech and to help the poor and needy." [Sunan Abi Dawood].
As for its obligation, Zakat al-Fitr is mandatory for every Muslim, irrespective of age or gender. Ibn Umar reported, "The Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) enjoined the payment of one Sa' of dates or one Sa' of barley as Zakat al-Fitr on every Muslim, free or slave, male or female." [Sahih al-Bukhari].
Zakat al-Fitr is given to the needy and poor, aiming to achieve social justice and alleviate the needs of the less fortunate. This includes the eight categories mentioned in the Quranic [Quran 9:60].
It is permissible for an individual to give Zakat al-Fitr to one person or distributverse regarding the recipients of Zakat, encompassing the poor, the destitute, those in charge of collecting it, those whose hearts are inclined, freeing slaves, those in debt, in the cause of Allah, and wayfarers (travelers)e it among multiple recipients, with the criterion being the effective alleviation of poverty.
The amount of Zakat al-Fitr is one Sa' of the predominant staple food of the region, approximately equal to 2.04 kg in weight.
Zakat al-Fitr includes various types, such as wheat, dates, barley, and can be paid using multiple means.
It must be paid before the Eid prayer, and it is recommended to give it in the remaining days of Ramadan to ensure it reaches the recipients on time.
Paying Zakat al-Fitr in monetary value is permissible, as stated by the Hanafi jurists and some scholars from the Tabi'een, especially considering the circumstances of the present era.
Donate Zakat al-Fitr to Displaced and Refugees:
Islamic scholars derived the eligible categories for Zakat from the Quranic verse: "Indeed, [prescribed] charitable offerings are only [to be given] to the poor and the indigent, and to those who work for it, and to those whose hearts are to be reconciled, and to [free] those in bondage, and to the debt-ridden, and for the cause of Allah, and to the wayfarer. [This is] an obligation from Allah. And Allah is Knowing and Wise." (Quran 9:60).
Considering the most impoverished and needy in our current time, refugees and internally displaced individuals residing in camps are among the most vulnerable, resembling the characteristics of the destitute who lack the means to fulfill their needs.
Ensany Humanitarian Aid and Zakat al-Fitr:
The Ensany Foundation works on distributing Zakat al-Fitr to refugees and displaced populations through collaboration with local and international entities. Eligibility is determined based on individuals' and families' economic and social needs. Ensany provides essential food items and other necessities to meet their crucial requirements during the month of Ramadan.
Millions of poor and needy displaced individuals eagerly anticipate Ramadan, as it marks a time when the wealthy and capable Muslims generously give charity, pay Zakat, and seek closeness to Allah through various means.
Donate your Zakat al-Fitr to the poor and needy through the Ensany platform.
