Section : Zakat ul-Fitr. Zakat ul-fitr is a type of sadaqah which must be paid by every Muslim, young and old, male and female, free and slave, at the end of the month of fasting (Ramadan). Al-Bukhari and Muslim relate…
Section : The Purpose of Zakat ul-Fitr. Zakat ul-fitr was made obligatory in the month of Sha’ban in the second year of the hijrah. Its purpose is to purify one who fasts from any indecent act or speech and to…
Section : Who Must Pay Zakat ul-Fitr. Zakat ul-fitr is incumbent on every free Muslim who possesses one sa’ of dates or barley which is not needed as a basic food for himself or his family for the duration of…
Section : The Amount of Zakat ul-Fitr. The required amount of zakat ul-fitr is one sa’ of wheat, barley, raisins, dry cottage cheese (aqit), rice, corn, or similar items considered as basic foods (qut). Abu Hanifah made it permissible to…
Section : When Zakat ul-Fitr is Due. The jurists agree that zakat ul-fitr is due at the end of Ramadan. They differ, however, about the exact time. Ath-Thauri, Ahmad, Ishaq, and ash-Shaf’i (in his later opinion), and Malik (in one…
Section : Paying Zakat ul-Fitr in Advance. Most scholars believe that it is permissible to pay zakat ul-fitr a day or two before ‘id. Ibn ‘Umar reports that the Messenger, upon whom be peace, ordered them to pay zakat ul-fitr…
Section : Distribution of Zakat ul-Fitr. The distribution of zakat ul-fitr is the same as that of zakah– that is, it has to be distributed to the eight groups of beneficiaries mentioned in the ‘ayah: “The alms are only for…
Section : Giving Zakat ul-Fitr to a Zhimmi. Az-Zuhri, Abu Hanifah, Muhammad, and Ibn Shubrumah make it permissible to give zakat ul-fitr to a zhimmi. Allah, the Exalted One, says: “Allah allows you to show kindness and deal justly with…
Section : Are There Other Claims on Wealth Besides Zakah?. Islam views wealth realistically–as an essential aspect of life and the main means of subsistence of individuals and groups. Allah, the Exalted One, instructs: “Give not to those who are…
Section : Kin (zhawi al-Qurba), recipients of sadaqah. The kin are considered the most deserving people for the sadaqah gift because of the common blood relationship. When a man is in need and some of his relatives are rich, naturally…
Section : Orphans (wal-yatama), recipients of sadaqah. In the case of orphans whose guardians have died, their support and upbringing depends on wealthy and well to-do Muslims so that they will not become a problem to themselves or other people.
Section : The Needy (wal-masakin), recipients of sadaqah. Because they are unable to earn enough to maintain themselves and have become contented with the little they have and abstain from begging, it is necessary for the well-to-do to help them.
Section : Wayfarere (wab nisabil), recipients of sadaqah. In the case of the wayfarer cut off from family and relatives, as if travelling were his household, consideration requires kindness for him as well. Thus, to sympathize with him and help…
Section : Beggars (was-sa’ilin), recipients of sadaqah. In the case of beggars forced to ask people for their needs, they should be helped. A person may also ask for help in order to redress another’s need. However, the shari’ah does…
Section : Slaves (wa fi ar-riqab), recipients of sadaqah. The liberation of slaves includes buying and setting them free, helping contracted slaves (al-mukatabun) pay off their debts, and helping captives buy their way out of captivity. By encouraging people to…