Zakat-ul-Fitr is an important Islamic obligation that every able-bodied Muslim must pay before Eid-ul-Fitr at the end of the month of Ramadan.। The Qur'an and Hadith mention the evidence of Zakat al-Fitr being obligatory। Below are some proofs from Quran and Hadith -
Although Zakat al-Fitr is not directly mentioned in the Qur'an, there are several verses in the Qur'an about the importance of charity and its provisions in general।
Commands of the Quran
خُذْ مِنْ أَمْوَالِهِمْ صَدَقَةً تُطَهِّرُهُمْ وَتُزَكِّيهِم بِهَا وَصَلِّ عَلَيْهِمْ إِنَّ صَلَاتَكَ سَكَنٌ لَّهُمْ وَاللَّهُ سَمِيعٌ عَلِيمٌ
Pronunciation:
Khuz min amwalihim sadakatan tutahiruhum wa tuzakkihim biha wasalli alaihim inna salataka sakanullahum। Allahu Samiun Alim।"
Meaning:
Accept charity from their wealth, thereby purifying and purifying them, and pray for them.। Undoubtedly, your prayers are a comfort for them। Allah is All-Hearing, All-Knowing।"
[Surah At-Tawbah, Verse 103]
Guidance of Hadith -
The Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) made Zakat al-Fitr obligatory। There is no doubt about it and there are many hadiths about it। Some notable hadiths are given below –
فَرَضَ رَسُولُ اللَّهِ صَلَّى اللَّهُ عَلَيْهِ وَسَلَّمَ زَكَاةَ الْفِطْرِ طُهْرَةً لِلصَّائِمِ مِنَ اللَّغْوِ وَالرَّفَثِ، وَطُعْمَةً لِلْمَسَاكِينِ، مَنْ أَدَّاهَا قَبْلَ الصَّلَاةِ فَهِيَ زَكَاةٌ مَقْبُولَةٌ، وَمَنْ أَدَّاهَا بَعْدَ الصَّلَاةِ فَهِيَ صَدَقَةٌ مِنَ الصَّدَقَا
Pronunciation:
Farada Rasulullahi sallallahu alaihi wa sallam zaqatal fitri tuhratan lissayimi minal laghbi warrafasi wa tu'matan lil masakin। Maan Addaha Qabalas Salati Fahiya Zakatun Maqbulatun, Waman Addaha Badas Salati Fahiya Sadakatun Minas Sadaqat।
Meaning:
Rasulullah (s.a.w.).) enjoins Zakat al-Fitr, which purifies the fasting person from indecent words and deeds, and provides food for the poor.। One who gives Zakat al-Fitr before the Eid prayer is accepted as Zakat, and one who gives it after the prayer is considered as general charity.।
[Abu Dawud, Ibn Majah]
أَمَرَ رَسُولُ اللَّهِ صَلَّى اللَّهُ عَلَيْهِ وَسَلَّمَ بِزَكَاةِ الْفِطْرِ صَاعًا مِنْ تَمْرٍ، أَوْ صَاعًا مِنْ شَعِيرٍ، عَلَى الْعَبْدِ وَالْحُرِّ، وَالذَّكَرِ وَالْأُنْثَى، وَالصَّغِيرِ وَالْكَبِيرِ مِنَ الْمُسْلِمِينَ، وَأَمَرَ بِهَا أَنْ تُؤَدَّى قَبْلَ خُرُوجِ النَّاسِ إِلَى الصَّلَاةِ
Pronunciation:
We are Rasoolullahi sallallaahu alayhi wa sallam bijaqatil fitri sa'an min tamrin, aw sa'an min sha'irin, alal abdi wal hurri, wal zakari wal untha, wal sagiri wal kabiri minal muslimin, wa amara biha an tu'adda kabla khuruzin nasi. Ilas Salah।"
Meaning:
Rasulullah (s.a.w.).) prescribed Zakat al-Fitr as one sa' (about 2.5 kg) dates or one sa' of barley, on every slave, free, male, female, child and old Muslim.। And he ordered it to be offered before going out for the Eid prayer।
[Sahih Bukhari and Muslim]
summary
The evidence that Zakatul Fitr is obligatory is clearly mentioned in the Quran and Hadith। It is obligatory for every able-bodied Muslim and is distributed to the poor and needy before Eid-ul-Fitr.। By paying Zakat al-Fitr, Muslims can correct minor mistakes made during their fast and share the joy of Eid with everyone.।
Certain conditions are imposed on a Muslim for Zakatul Fitr to become obligatory। One of these conditions is the amount of resources। Below are the conditions for owning wealth for Zakatul Fitr to be obligatory
Additional resources as needed
• For Zakatul Fitr to be obligatory a Muslim must own a Nesab amount of wealth, which survives after meeting the basic needs of himself and his family.। These basic needs include food, clothing, shelter, education and medical care।
Amount of Nesab
• Nesab is a certain amount of wealth that is prescribed in Islam for charity, Zakat and Zakatul Fitr.। In the case of Zakatul Fitr, the Nesab is 577.5 grams of silver or its equivalent।
• If a person has this amount of wealth after fulfilling his basic needs, Zakatul Fitr will be obligatory on him।
Example -
Determining wealth after meeting basic needs
• If you have 577 after fulfilling basic needs.If you have 5 grams of silver or its equivalent, you are obligated to pay Zakatul Fitr।
Amount of Zakatul Fitr Payment
• The amount of Zakatul Fitr for every Muslim person is one sa' (about 2.5 kg) foodstuff or its equivalent Rs।
Guidance from Quran and Hadith -
Evidence of Hadith:
فَرَضَ رَسُولُ اللَّهِ صَلَّى اللَّهُ عَلَيْهِ وَسَلَّمَ زَكَاةَ الْفِطْرِ طُهْرَةً لِلصَّائِمِ مِنَ اللَّغْوِ وَالرَّفَثِ، وَطُعْمَةً لِلْمَسَاكِينِ
Pronunciation:
Farada Rasulullahi sallallahu alaihi wa sallam zaqatal fitri tuhratan lissayimi minal laghbi warrafasi wa tu'matan lil masakin।"
Meaning:
Rasulullah (s.a.w.).) enjoins Zakat al-Fitr, which purifies the fasting person from indecent words and deeds, and provides food for the poor.।"
[Abu Dawud, Ibn Majah]
summary
For Zakatul Fitr to be obligatory, a Muslim must own a Nesab amount of wealth after meeting his basic needs। Nesab amount of assets is 577.5 grams of silver or its equivalent। If one has this amount of wealth, then Zakatul Fitr will be obligatory on him and it must be distributed among the poor before Eidul Fitr.।
Zakat-ul-Fitr is obligatory for every able-bodied Muslim before the Eid-ul-Fitr prayer at the end of the month of Ramadan.। The importance and necessity of Zakatul Fitr is clearly mentioned in Quran and Hadith। Through this social equality, help to the poor and spiritual purification can be achieved। Below is a detailed discussion about the requirements of Zakatul Fitr
Achieving purity from mistakes during the fasting period
فَرَضَ رَسُولُ اللَّهِ صَلَّى اللَّهُ عَلَيْهِ وَسَلَّمَ زَكَاةَ الْفِطْرِ طُهْرَةً لِلصَّائِمِ مِنَ اللَّغْوِ وَالرَّفَثِ، وَطُعْمَةً لِلْمَسَاكِينِ
Pronunciation:
Farada Rasulullahi sallallahu alaihi wa sallam zaqatal fitri tuhratan lissayimi minal laghbi warrafasi wa tu'matan lil masakin।
Meaning:
Rasulullah (s.a.w.).) enjoins Zakat al-Fitr, which purifies the fasting person from indecent words and deeds, and provides food for the poor.।
[Abu Dawud, Ibn Majah]
Helping the poor and joining in the joy of Eid
Zakatul Fitr distributes food to the poor so that they can share in the joy of Eid। It helps in promoting harmony and harmony in the society।
Equality in society
Zakatul Fitr plays an important role in establishing economic equality and justice in the society। It is a means of distribution of wealth between rich and poor।
God's pleasure
Muslims can earn Allah's pleasure by paying Zakatul Fitr। It is a means of attaining nearness and mercy of Allah।
Spiritual purification
By paying Zakatul Fitr, the fasting person can purify and purify his soul। It is a means of correcting minor mistakes made during fasting।
Rules of Zakatul Fitr
Amount -
The amount of Zakat al-Fitr for every Muslim person is one sa' (about 2.5 kg) foodstuff or its equivalent Rs।
On whom it is obligatory
Zakatul Fitr is obligatory on every able-bodied Muslim, male or female, child or adult।
Delivery time
Zakat-ul-Fitr is best given after sunset on the last day of Ramadan before Eid-ul-Fitr prayers.।
Commands of the Quran
خُذْ مِنْ أَمْوَالِهِمْ صَدَقَةً تُطَهِّرُهُمْ وَتُزَكِّيهِم بِهَا
Pronunciation:
Khuz min amwalihim sadakatan tutahiruhum wa tuzakkihim biha।
Meaning:
Accept charity from their wealth, thereby purifying and purifying them।
[Surah At-Tawbah, Verse 103]
Evidence of hadith
أَمَرَ رَسُولُ اللَّهِ صَلَّى اللَّهُ عَلَيْهِ وَسَلَّمَ بِزَكَاةِ الْفِطْرِ صَاعًا مِنْ تَمْرٍ، أَوْ صَاعًا مِنْ شَعِيرٍ، عَلَى الْعَبْدِ وَالْحُرِّ، وَالذَّكَرِ وَالْأُنْثَى، وَالصَّغِيرِ وَالْكَبِيرِ مِنَ الْمُسْلِمِينَ، وَأَمَرَ بِهَا أَنْ تُؤَدَّى قَبْلَ خُرُوجِ النَّاسِ إِلَى الصَّلَاةِ
Pronunciation:
We are Rasoolullahi sallallaahu alayhi wa sallam bijaqatil fitri sa'an min tamrin, aw sa'an min sha'irin, alal abdi wal hurri, wal zakari wal untha, wal sagiri wal kabiri minal muslimin, wa amara biha an tu'adda kabla khuruzin nasi. Ilas Salah।"
Meaning:
Rasulullah (s.a.w.).) prescribed Zakat al-Fitr as one sa' (about 2.5 kg) dates or one sa' of barley, on every slave, free, male, female, child and old Muslim.। And he ordered it to be offered before going out for the Eid prayer।"
[Sahih Bukhari and Muslim]
summary
Zakatul Fitr is an obligatory duty to be paid before Eidul Fitr at the end of Ramadan। It is very important for correcting the wrongs of fasting time, helping the poor and establishing economic equality in the society। The importance and necessity of Zakat al-Fitr is clearly mentioned in the Quran and Hadith। Muslims should seek Allah's pleasure and mercy by performing this duty।
While paying Zakatul Fitr, it must be ensured that it reaches those who truly deserve it। The Qur'an and Hadith give clear instructions about the people who are entitled to Zakatul Fitr। Below is the list of people entitled to Zakatul Fitr and their position in terms of validity
Fakir (Extremely Poor)
· who are unable to meet basic needs and are totally deprived।
miskin (poor)
· Those who have some wealth but not enough to meet their basic needs।
Zakat Collectors -
· Those who are responsible for collection and distribution of Zakat।
New Muslim -
· who are newly converted to Islam and need assistance।
For emancipation of slaves -
· those who need help getting out of slavery।
Indebted -
· Those who are legitimately indebted and unable to pay their debts।
Those who strive in the way of Allah -
· Those who struggle in the way of Allah (fi sabilillah) and need help।
Musafir (Traveler) -
· Those who need assistance while traveling and cannot afford to return home।
The Qur'an commands -
إِنَّمَا الصَّدَقَاتُ لِلْفُقَرَاءِ وَالْمَسَاكِينِ وَالْعَامِلِينَ عَلَيْهَا وَالْمُؤَلَّفَةِ قُلُوبُهُمْ وَفِي الرِّقَابِ وَالْغَارِمِينَ وَفِي سَبِيلِ اللَّهِ وَابْنِ السَّبِيلِ فَرِيضَةً مِّنَ اللَّهِ وَاللَّهُ عَلِيمٌ حَكِيمٌ
Pronunciation:
Innama as-sadaqatu lilfuqarayi wal masakini wal amilina alaiha wal muallafati qulubuhum wa fir rikabi wal gharimina wa fi sabilillahi wabni sabil, faridatam minallahi। Allahu Alimun Hakim।
Meaning:
Alms are assigned to the fakir, the poor, the zakat, those who need to be won over, the emancipation of slaves, the debtors, the way of Allah and the wayfarer.। It is an obligatory provision from Allah। Allah is All-Knowing, All-Wise।"
[Surah At-Tawbah, Verse 60]
Evidence of hadith
فَرَضَ رَسُولُ اللَّهِ صَلَّى اللَّهُ عَلَيْهِ وَسَلَّمَ زَكَاةَ الْفِطْرِ طُهْرَةً لِلصَّائِمِ مِنَ اللَّغْوِ وَالرَّفَثِ، وَطُعْمَةً لِلْمَسَاكِينِ
Pronunciation:
Farada Rasulullahi sallallahu alaihi wa sallam zaqatal fitri tuhratan lissayimi minal laghbi warrafasi wa tu'matan lil masakin।
Meaning:
Rasulullah (s.a.w.).) enjoins Zakat al-Fitr, which purifies the fasting person from indecent words and deeds, and provides food for the poor.।
[Abu Dawud, Ibn Majah]
summary
While paying Zakatul Fitr, it must be ensured that it reaches the people who really deserve it। Fakirs, poor people, zakat collectors, new Muslims, slaves, debtors, people struggling in the way of Allah and travelers are those who deserve Zakatul Fitr.। The Qur'an and Hadith have given clear instructions about the people who are entitled to Zakat al-Fitr। By paying Zakatul Fitr, Muslims can earn the pleasure of Allah and establish economic equality and justice in society.।
Zakat-ul-Fitr is obligatory for every able-bodied Muslim before the Eid-ul-Fitr prayer at the end of the month of Ramadan.। It is a very important act of worship in Islam and its performance is obligatory। There are clear instructions in the Qur'an and Hadith about the command to pay Zakat al-Fitr।
Order to pay Zakatul Fitr
Obligation
• Zakatul Fitr is obligatory for every able-bodied Muslim। It must be offered after sunset on the last day of Ramadan before the Eid al-Fitr prayer।
Obligatory on every Muslim
• Zakatul Fitr is obligatory on all men, women, children, adults। He who is the head of the family shall collect Zakatul Fitr on behalf of all the members of the family।
Amount
• The amount of Zakatul Fitr is one sa' (about 2.5 kg) food items like wheat, barley, dates, raisins etc। Cash or money of equivalent value may also be given in lieu of food items।
Quotations from Quran and Hadith
• The Qur'an commands:
Although Zakat al-Fitr is not directly mentioned in the Qur'an, there are several verses in the Qur'an about the importance of charity and its provisions in general।
For example –
خُذْ مِنْ أَمْوَالِهِمْ صَدَقَةً تُطَهِّرُهُمْ وَتُزَكِّيهِم بِهَا وَصَلِّ عَلَيْهِمْ إِنَّ صَلَاتَكَ سَكَنٌ لَّهُمْ وَاللَّهُ سَمِيعٌ عَلِيمٌ
Bengali Pronunciation: "Khuj min amwalihim sadakatan tutahiruhum wa tuzakkihim biha wasalli alaihim inna salataka sakanullahum। Allahu Samiun Alim।"
Meaning: "Take charity from their wealth, thereby purifying and purifying them, and pray for them। Undoubtedly, your prayers are a comfort for them। Allah is All-Hearing, All-Knowing।"
[Surah At-Tawbah, Verse 103]
• Hadith guidance
Hadith 1-
فَرَضَ رَسُولُ اللَّهِ صَلَّى اللَّهُ عَلَيْهِ وَسَلَّمَ زَكَاةَ الْفِطْرِ طُهْرَةً لِلصَّائِمِ مِنَ اللَّغْوِ وَالرَّفَثِ، وَطُعْمَةً لِلْمَسَاكِينِ
Pronunciation:
Farada Rasulullahi sallallahu alaihi wa sallam zaqatal fitri tuhratan lissayimi minal laghbi warrafasi wa tu'matan lil masakin।
Meaning:
Rasulullah (s.a.w.).) enjoins Zakat al-Fitr, which purifies the fasting person from indecent words and deeds, and provides food for the poor.।
[Abu Dawud, Ibn Majah]
Hadith 2 -
أَمَرَ رَسُولُ اللَّهِ صَلَّى اللَّهُ عَلَيْهِ وَسَلَّمَ بِزَكَاةِ الْفِطْرِ صَاعًا مِنْ تَمْرٍ، أَوْ صَاعًا مِنْ شَعِيرٍ، عَلَى الْعَبْدِ وَالْحُرِّ، وَالذَّكَرِ وَالْأُنْثَى، وَالصَّغِيرِ وَالْكَبِيرِ مِنَ الْمُسْلِمِينَ، وَأَمَرَ بِهَا أَنْ تُؤَدَّى قَبْلَ خُرُوجِ النَّاسِ إِلَى الصَّلَاةِ
Pronunciation:
We are Rasoolullahi sallallaahu alayhi wa sallam bijaqatil fitri sa'an min tamrin, aw sa'an min sha'irin, alal abdi wal hurri, wal zakari wal untha, wal sagiri wal kabiri minal muslimin, wa amara biha an tu'adda kabla khuruzin nasi. Ilas Salah।
Meaning:
Rasulullah (s.a.w.).) prescribed Zakat al-Fitr as one sa' (about 2.5 kg) dates or one sa' of barley, on every slave, free, male, female, child and old Muslim.। And he ordered it to be offered before going out for the Eid prayer।
[Sahih Bukhari and Muslim]
summary
Zakat-ul-Fitr is obligatory for every able-bodied Muslim and is to be paid before the Eid-ul-Fitr prayer at the end of the month of Ramadan.। Paying Zakatul Fitr can correct minor mistakes during the fasting period, help the poor and needy, and establish economic equality and justice in society.। The importance of Zakat al-Fitr and the instructions for its payment are clearly mentioned in the Qur'an and Hadith।
There are specific timings for paying Zakatul Fitr which must be observed according to the rules of Islam। The guidance regarding paying Zakatul Fitr is described in the Quran and Hadith। It must be offered before the Eid al-Fitr prayer at the end of the month of Ramadan।
Time to pay Zakatul Fitr
good time
• Zakatul Fitr must be paid after sunset on the last day of Ramadan before Eid al-Fitr prayers.। It is an auspicious time and giving at this time creates an opportunity to include the poor and needy in the joy of Eid-ul-Fitr.।
Alternate time
• If for some reason it is not possible to pay Zakat al-Fitr before the Eid prayer, then it should be paid after the Eid prayer.। However, in this case it will be considered as ordinary charity and the main virtue of Zakatul Fitr will not be available.।
Some hadiths related to the timing of Zakatul Fitr according to the guidance of Quran and Hadith -
Hadith 1 -
فَرَضَ رَسُولُ اللَّهِ صَلَّى اللَّهُ عَلَيْهِ وَسَلَّمَ زَكَاةَ الْفِطْرِ طُهْرَةً لِلصَّائِمِ مِنَ اللَّغْوِ وَالرَّفَثِ، وَطُعْمَةً لِلْمَسَاكِينِ، مَنْ أَدَّاهَا قَبْلَ الصَّلَاةِ فَهِيَ زَكَاةٌ مَقْبُولَةٌ، وَمَنْ أَدَّاهَا بَعْدَ الصَّلَاةِ فَهِيَ صَدَقَةٌ مِنَ الصَّدَقَاتِ
Pronunciation:
Farada Rasulullahi sallallahu alaihi wa sallam zaqatal fitri tuhratan lissayimi minal laghbi warrafasi wa tu'matan lil masakin। Maan Addaha Qabalas Salati Fahiya Zakatun Maqbulatun, Waman Addaha Badas Salati Fahiya Sadakatun Minas Sadaqat।
Meaning:
Rasulullah (s.a.w.).) enjoins Zakat al-Fitr, which purifies the fasting person from indecent words and deeds, and provides food for the poor.। One who gives Zakat al-Fitr before the Eid prayer is accepted as Zakat, and one who gives it after the prayer is considered as general charity.।
[Abu Dawud, Ibn Majah]
Hadith 2 -
أَمَرَ رَسُولُ اللَّهِ صَلَّى اللَّهُ عَلَيْهِ وَسَلَّمَ بِزَكَاةِ الْفِطْرِ أَنْ تُؤَدَّى قَبْلَ خُرُوجِ النَّاسِ إِلَى الصَّلَاةِ
Pronunciation:
Amra Rasulullahi sallallahu alaihi wa sallami bijaqatil fitri an tu'addah kabla khuruzin nasi ilas salah।
Meaning:
Rasulullah (s.a.w.).) ordered that Zakat al-Fitr be paid before going out for Eid prayers।
[Sahih Bukhari and Muslim]
summary
The best time to pay Zakat-ul-Fitr is after sunset on the last day of Ramadan and before the Eid-ul-Fitr prayer.। Giving Zakatul Fitr during this time creates an opportunity to include the poor and needy people in the joy of Eidul Fitr.। If for some reason it is not possible to pay Zakat al-Fitr before the Eid prayer, it should be given after the Eid prayer, although it will count as a general charity.। By paying Zakat al-Fitr, Muslims can correct their mistakes in their fasting period and earn Allah's pleasure.।
Through Zakatul Fitr, poor and needy people are helped and economic equality is established in the society। There are clear instructions in the Quran and Hadith about the people who are entitled to Zakatul Fitr। Below are mentioned the sectors of Zakatul Fitr distribution:
Sectors of Zakatul Fitr Distribution -
Fakir (Extremely Poor) -
• Those who are totally deprived and unable to meet basic needs।
Miskin (poor) -
• Those who have some wealth but not enough to meet their basic needs।
Zakat Collectors -
• Those responsible for collection and distribution of Zakat।
New Muslim -
• Those who are newly converted to Islam and need assistance।
For emancipation of slaves -
• Those who need help to escape slavery।
Indebted -
• Those who are legitimately indebted and unable to pay their debts।
Those who strive in the way of Allah -
• Those who struggle in the way of Allah (fi sabilillah) and need assistance।
Musafir (Traveler) -
• Those who need assistance while traveling and cannot afford to return home।
The Qur'an commands -
إِنَّمَا الصَّدَقَاتُ لِلْفُقَرَاءِ وَالْمَسَاكِينِ وَالْعَامِلِينَ عَلَيْهَا وَالْمُؤَلَّفَةِ قُلُوبُهُمْ وَفِي الرِّقَابِ وَالْغَارِمِينَ وَفِي سَبِيلِ اللَّهِ وَابْنِ السَّبِيلِ فَرِيضَةً مِّنَ اللَّهِ وَاللَّهُ عَلِيمٌ حَكِيمٌ
Pronunciation:
Innama as-sadaqatu lilfuqarayi wal masakini wal amilina alaiha wal muallafati qulubuhum wa fir rikabi wal gharimina wa fi sabilillahi wabni sabil, faridatam minallahi। Allahu Alimun Hakim।
Meaning:
Alms are assigned to the fakir, the poor, the zakat, those who need to be won over, the emancipation of slaves, the debtors, the way of Allah and the wayfarer.। It is an obligatory provision from Allah। Allah is All-Knowing, All-Wise।
[Surah At-Tawbah, Verse 60]
Evidence of Hadith -
فَرَضَ رَسُولُ اللَّهِ صَلَّى اللَّهُ عَلَيْهِ وَسَلَّمَ زَكَاةَ الْفِطْرِ طُهْرَةً لِلصَّائِمِ مِنَ اللَّغْوِ وَالرَّفَثِ، وَطُعْمَةً لِلْمَسَاكِينِ
Pronunciation:
Farada Rasulullahi sallallahu alaihi wa sallam zaqatal fitri tuhratan lissayimi minal laghbi warrafasi wa tu'matan lil masakin।"
Meaning:
Rasulullah (s.a.w.).) enjoins Zakat al-Fitr, which purifies the fasting person from indecent words and deeds, and provides food for the poor.।"
[Abu Dawud, Ibn Majah]
summary
The designated categories for distribution of Zakatul Fitr are Fakirs, Poor, Zakat Collectors, New Muslims, Freed Slaves, Debtors, Strugglers in the Way of Allah and Travellers.। There are clear instructions in the Qur'an and Hadith about the people who deserve Zakat al-Fitr। By paying Zakatul Fitr, Muslims can earn the pleasure of Allah and establish economic equality and justice in society.।