Ramadan: Significance of Zakatil Fitr in Islam
As Muslim faithful continue their fasting and supplications to Allah in this Holy month of Ramadan, it is important to remember that it is a cardinal responsibility in this month for muslins faithful to give out the compulsory to give out zakat.
Zakat is simply the calculation of your dues on your assets and the fourth pillar of Islam, while Zakatul-Fitr’s scope and implication transcend what we must do in the case of the former.
However, Zakat becomes due, one year after a person’s wealth reaches the value of Nisab (minimum amount paid) and according to most scholars, a Muslim’s wealth has to remain above that Nisab level throughout the course of the year. This means he must be free from all indebtedness and liabilities.
As in normal Zakah, Zakatul Fitr is distributed among poor and needy Muslims. It is preferable to give Sadaqatul Fitr first to needy relatives, then to needy neighbours and then to other needy Muslims. And the Zakatul Fitr should be paid before the Eid Prayer.
Zakatul-Fitr is done with staple food consumables in a particular area. In this part of the world, grains such as rice, garri, beans etc are given as Zakat or its money equivalent.
Every free Muslim must pay Zakatul-Fitr for himself, his wife, children, and all his dependants. It is only obligatory for those who have more than what is required to give as zakat-ul-fitr. A Muslim traveller is also enjoined to pay his zakat where he spends the last two days of Ramadan.
However, it is important and compulsory for a Muslim to pay Zakatul Fitr or Sadaqatul Fitr before offering Eid Prayer. [Bukhari]
The time for Eid Prayer begins from the time the sun is three meters above the horizon until the sun reaches its meridian. However, Eid Prayer is performed without any Iqamah or Azan.
And Eid prayer consists of two Raka’ats (Two Units Prayer) during which Takbir (Allahu Akbar) is announced seven times. [Abu Dawud]
A person should follow the teachings of the Messenger of Allah (Peace be upon him) for every aspect of life. The same should also be applied to Eid Prayer. Following are some of the Sunnah of Prophet Muhammad (Peace be upon him) with regards to the Eid prayer that every Muslim should follow:
- Take a bath or perform ablution before going for prayer.
- Use a toothbrush or Miswak to clean your mouth.
- Wear your best clothes on this day.
- Apply perfume.
- Eat an odd number of dates before leaving for prayer of Eid-ul-Fitr. [Bukhari]
- Make sure that you have paid Zakatul Fitr before offering Eid Prayer.
- Recite the following Takbirats while going to and returning from Eid Prayer:
Allahu Akbar, Allahu Akbar, Allahu Akbar, la ilaha illallah, wallahu Akbar, Allahu Akbar, walillahil hamd. Meaning: Allah is Most Great, Allah is most Great, Allah is most Great there is no god but Allah, Allah is Most great, Allah is most great, and to Allah be praise.” [See Irwa Al Ghalil, vol. 3, page 125]
- Listen to the Sermon (Khutbah) after offering Eid Prayer. [An-Nasa’i]
- Use different ways while going to and returning from the Mosque (Eid ground) after offering Eid Prayer. [Bukhari]
Dear brothers and sisters! Narrated Ibn Umar (RA) that: “Allah’s Messenger (Peace be upon him) made it incumbent (Wajib/obligatory) on all the servants or free Muslims, male or female, to pay one Sa’i of dates, barley or grain as Zakatul Fitr.” [Bukhari]. According to above mentioned Hadith, Zakatul Fitr or Sadaqatul Fitr is Wajib/obligatory upon every Muslim including servant, freeman, male, female, young, newborn and old. The compulsion of Zakatul Fitr on a Muslim is the same as the Nisab of normal Zakah (Nisab Is the exemption limit for the payment of Zakah).
The amount of Sadaqatul Fitr to be given by each person is an amount minimum or equivalent to one Sa’i of grain, barley or date. Sa’i is an ancient measure of volume and the most common understanding is that one Sa’i is equivalent to approx. 2.25-2.5 KGs. However, Muslim scholars all around the world usually announce the amount of Zakatul Fitr to be paid during Ramadan.
Celebrate the day with your loved ones by indulging in delicious festive feasts and handing out gifts. Give out charity as much as you can so that your underprivileged Muslim brothers and sisters can also celebrate this blessed festival. And please remember the entire Ummah and your country in your prayers and your Du’as (Supplications).
