How much zakaat al-fitr is and when it should be paid

mhkhan1988

Citizen
Praise be to Allaah. It was proven from the Messenger of Allaah (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) that he enjoined zakaat al-fitr on the Muslims, one saa of dates or one saa of barley, and he commanded that it be given before the people went out to the (Eid) prayer. In al-Saheehayn it is narrated that Abu Saeed al-Khudri (may Allaah be pleased with him) said: At the time of the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) we used to give one saa of food, or one saa of dates, or one saa of barley, or one saa of raisins.
Some of the scholars have interpreted food (taaam) in this hadeeth as referring to wheat; others interpreted it as meaning the staple food of the country, whatever it is, whether it is wheat, corn, pearl millet or whatever. This is the correct view, because zakaah is a help from the rich to the poor, and the Muslim does not have to help with anything other than the staple food of his country. Undoubtedly rice is the staple food in the land of the Two Holy Sanctuaries (Saudi Arabia) and it is a good and valuable food; it is better than the barley that is mentioned in the text. Hence it is known that there is nothing wrong with giving rice as zakaat al-fitr.​
What must be given is a saa of any kind of staple food, i.e., a saa of the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him), which is four complete scoops as scooped up with two hands, according to al-Qaamoos etc. In modern weights this is equivalent to approximately three kilograms. If a Muslim gives a kilo of rice or some other staple food of his country, that is sufficient even if it is not one of the types mentioned in the hadeeth, according to the more correct of the two scholarly opinions. There is nothing wrong with giving the equivalent amount by weight, which is approximately three kilograms.
Zakaat al-fitr must be given on behalf of all Muslims, young and old, male and female, free and slave. With regard to a foetus, it is not obligatory to give it on his behalf according to scholarly consensus, but it is mustahabb, because Uthmaan (may Allaah be pleased with him) did that.
It is also obligatory to give it before the Eid prayer, and it is not permissible to delay it until after the Eid prayer. There is nothing wrong with giving it one or two days before the Eid. Hence it is known that the earliest time when it may be given, according to the more correct of the two scholarly views, is the night of the 28th of Ramadaan, because the month may be twenty-nine or thirty days. The companions of the Messenger of Allaah (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) used to give it one or two days before Eid.
Those to whom it must be given are the poor and needy. It was proven that Ibn Abbaas (may Allaah be pleased with him) said: The Messenger of Allaah (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) enjoined zakaat al-fitr as a purification for the fasting person from idle and obscene speech, and to feed the poor. Whoever gives it before the prayer, it is zakaat al-fitr, and whoever gives it after the prayer, it is ordinary charity. This was narrated by Abu Dawood and classed as hasan by al-Albaani in Saheeh Abi Dawood.
It is not permissible to pay the value in money, according to the majority of scholars; this view has the stronger evidence. Rather it must be given in the form of food, as the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) and his companions (may Allaah be pleased with them) did. This is also the view of the majority of the ummah. We ask Allaah to help us and all the Muslims to understand His religion properly and adhere to it steadfastly, and to guide us, for He is the Most Generous, Most Kind.​
Majmoo Fataawa al-Shaykh Ibn Baaz, 14/200.
This is the estimation of Shaykh Ibn Baaz (may Allaah have mercy on him), who reckoned the weight of zakaat al-fitr as being approximately three kilograms.​
This was also the estimate of the scholars of the Standing Committee (9/371).
Shaykh Ibn Uthaymeen (may Allah have mercy on him) estimated it in grams as being 2100 grams, as it says in Fataawa al-Zakaah, p. 274-276.
This discrepancy occurred because a saa is a measure of volume, not weight.
The scholars worked it out by weight so that it would be easier to work out. It is well known that the weight of grains varies; some are light and some are heavy, and some are in between. In fact the weight of a saa of the same kind of grain may vary, and new may weigh more than old. Hence if people err on the side of caution and give more, that will be better.
See al-Mughni, 4/168, where it mentions something similar about working out the nisaab of crops by weight.
And Allaah knows best.
 

psycho1

MPA (400+ posts)
it should be 2 pounds or 2.50 dollors or 200 rupees per head of family. it must be paid before Eid prayer. thats what i know. salam
 

Tilloo

MPA (400+ posts)
In Pakistan Fitrana 75 Rs per head of family. It must be paid before Eid Prayer . . .

it is better that we should pay some days before of Eid-Ul-Fitr.

Last Friday Molana Soab of my Mosque was telling that we can also give Fitrana amount of 4 Kgs KHAJOOR (600 Rs) per head of family. . . . .
 

sarbakaf

Siasat.pk - Blogger

Last Friday Molana Soab of my Mosque was telling that we can also give Fitrana amount of 4 Kgs KHAJOOR (600 Rs) per head of family. . . . .

you are right .....Rs 75 or Rs 200 is minimum amount that should be given ....but why not to give more as sadqa e fitar , when its is not disallowed to pay more the more we pay for our brothers and sisters the more reward we get from ALlah ...InshahAllah
 

Night_Hawk

Siasat.pk - Blogger
you are right .....Rs 75 or Rs 200 is minimum amount that should be given ....but why not to give more as sadqa e fitar , when its is not disallowed to pay more the more we pay for our brothers and sisters the more reward we get from ALlah ...InshahAllah

Brother could you please educate me, how we came to this figure Rs 75 or Rs 200? Like in USA they are taking about $7 or $10.
The Pk Rs is 85.7= $1.

I believe that the Fitra should be paid early with the start of Ramadan, so the people who will receive the Fitra could buy what ever they need to buy to celebrate Eid with the rest of the ummah.
 

QaiserMirza

Chief Minister (5k+ posts)
Zaakaat al-Fitr


Zakaat al-Fitr





Zakaat al-Fitr:The Purifying Charity Zakaat al-Fitr' or 'Sadaqah al-Fitr' means 'the purifying charity of breaking the fast It is a prescribed amount of staple food given by the Muslims to their poor Muslim brothers during the last few days of Ramadaan or on the morning of Eid prior to the Eid prayer.

The Wisdom of Zakaat al-Fitr:

The wisdom behind 'Zakaat al-Fitr' is as mentioned in the narration of Ibn Abbas (radhi allahu anhu): The Messenger of Allah (sallallahu laihi wa-sallam) ordained Zakaat al-Fitr to purify the fasting person from indecent words or actions and to provide food for the needy. It is accepted as Zakaat for the person who gives it before the Eid prayer; but merely Sadaqah for the one who gives it after the prayer. [(Hasan) Abu Dawood (no: 1622), an-Nisa'ee (5/49), Ibn Majah (1/585) and others]

Thus, Zakaat al-Fitr serves as a purification for those who fast in the month of Ramadaan from the minor sins, which decrease the rewards of their fasts. It is also feeding the poor Muslims, so that they may have enough provision during Eid. Al-Khattabee (rahimahullah) says in Ma'aalimus Sunan (2/214): It is obligatory upon every wealthy fasting person and poor person who has in excess of his need, since its obligation is in order to purify and all those who fast need this. So, if they are all in need for it (i.e. purification from sins), then they are all the same as regards to its obligation.
The Obligation of Zakaat al-Fitr:

Zakaat al-Fitr is obligatory on every individual who is capable of giving it, as Ibn Umar (radhi allahu anhu) stated: The Messenger of Allah (sallallahu laihi wa-sallam) ordained Zakaat al-Fitr in the amount of one saa of dates or one saa of barley for the Muslim; slave or free, male or female, young or old; and he ordered that it be given before the people went out to the Eid prayer. [Saheeh al-Bukharee and Saheeh Muslim]

The responsibility of Zakaat al-Fitr falls on the head of the household;

He should give it on behalf of himself and those under his care; young and old; male and female, free and slave. Ibn Umar (radhi allahu anhu) said: The Messenger of Allah (sallallahu laihi wa-sallam) ordained Sadaqah al-Fitr for those under your custody; young and old, free and slave. [(hasan) ad-Daraqutni and others]

As for him, who does not have the financial capability to pay Zakaat al-Fitr, then he is exempted from this obligation because Allah clearly says: Allah does not require from any soul more than his capability.[Soorah al-Baqarah(2) : 286]

What is accepted as Zakaat al-Fitr?

Zakaat al-Fitr should be given in the form of 'staple food' like wheat, barley, rice etc. Abu Sa'eed al-Khudree (radhi allahu anhu) said: (At the time of the Prophet (sallallahu laihi wa-sallam)) we used to give out Zakaat al-Fitr as one saa of food, one saa of barley, one saa of dates, one saa of aqit (dried yogurt), or one saa of raisins. At that time, our food used to be barley, raisins, aqit and dates. [Saheeh al-Bukharee]

The scholars differ in understanding the 'food' referred to in this report. However, the reports discussing Zakaat al-Fitr generally cover all kinds of grains such as wheat, barley etc. Ibn Abbas (radhi allahu anhu) said: The Sadaqah of Ramadaan is one saa. Thus, he who brings wheat, it will be accepted from him; he who brings barley, it will be accepted from him; he who brings dates, it will be accepted from him; he who brings rye, it will be accepted from him; he who brings raisins, it will be accepted from him [(saheeh) Ibn Khuzaimah]

The above Ahadeeth indicate that Zakaat al-Fitr cannot be given in the form of money. However, one may determine the approximate value of the food he has to pay and hand it to an individual or an organization, which he trusts to buy the correct type. It is important that when Zakaat al-Fitr reaches the recipients, it is in the form, permissible by the Sunnah.

Quantity of Zakaat al-Fitr:

The amount of Zakaat al-Fitr is one saa of any food mentioned above except one i.e. wheat which is half saa. The Messenger of Allah (sallallahu laihi wa-sallam) said: Give a saa of wheat or wheat-grain to two people; or one saa of dates, or a saa of barley for every free person and slave and young and old. [(saheeh) Daraqutni (2/151) and Musnad Ahmad (5/432)]
The saa was a fixed amount of capacity of volume; it varied from place to place, but the Messenger of Allah (sallallahu laihi wa-sallam) standardized it saying: Weights are according to Madeenah's weights; and the measures are according to Madeenah's measures. [(saheeh) Abu Dawood (2340), an-Nisa'ee (7/281) and others]

Thus, the saa mentioned in the Hadeeth is the saa of the people of Madeenah, which is available to this time. However, since it is not accessible to most of the people, scholars have estimated it approximately to four full handfuls (with hands put together) of an average man. [An-Nawawi in al-Majmoo 6: 69]

It is wrong to measure Zakaat al-Fitr by weight because weight of one saa varies for different materials. However, if the relationship between weight and capacity is determined for a specific material, the weight of one saa of that material may then be used.

Time to give the Zakaat al-Fitr:

Zakaat al-Fitr should be given on the day of Eid prior to the Eid prayer, as in the narration of Ibn Abbas (radhi allahu anhu): It (Zakaat al-Fitr) is accepted as Zakaat for the person who gives it before the Eid prayer; but merely Sadaqah for the one who gives it after the prayer. [(hasan) Abu Dawood (no: 1622), an-Nisa'ee (5/49, 5/550), Ibn Majah (1/585) and others]

It is further reported that Ibn Umar (radhi allahu anhu) used to give Zakaat al-Fitr one or two days before the Eid. [An-Nawawi in al-Majmoo 6: 69] This provides a basis for giving Zakaat al-Fitr a few days before the Eid but it is incorrect to give it too early, which might conflict with its wisdom of being an atonement for the sins during the month of Ramadaan and provision for the needy on the day of Eid; it will further conflicts with the practice of the pious predecessors.

It is also allowed to appoint individuals to collect Zakaat al-Fitr from the people; it is further recommended to appoint a person to take care of the collected Zakaat al-Fitr, as the Messenger of Allah (sallallahu laihi wa-sallam) appointed Abu Hurayrah (radhi allahu anhu) for this job, as he (radhi allahu anhu) said: Allah's Messenger (sallallahu laihi wa-sallam) entrusted me to look after the Zakaat of Ramadaan. [Saheeh al-Bukharee]

People who deserve Zakaat al-Fitr:

Zakaat al-Fitr should be distributed to the miskin (the needy) and not among all the eight categories which are eligible for the Zakaat on wealth, as Ibn Abbas (radhi allahu anhu) said: The Messenger of Allah (sallallahu laihi wa-sallam) ordained Zakaat al-Fitr to purify the fasting person from indecent words or actions, and to provide food for the needy [(hasan) Abu Dawood (ni: 1622), an-Nisa'ee (5/49, 5/550), Ibn Majah (1/585) and others]

This view is preferred by Shaikh al-Islaam Ibn Taymiyyah (rahimahullah) and his student Ibn al-Qayyim in his valuable book 'Zaad al-Ma'aad' (2/44).


From Islamic Newsletter 'As-Sunnah' Issue no: 9
 
زكات آپ کی ذمّہ داری ہے

[video]http://www.4shared.com/embed/362389893/31ac49d5[/video]
 
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Night_Hawk

Siasat.pk - Blogger
In the Name of Allah, Most Gracious, Most Merciful.
All praise and thanks are due to Allah, and peace and blessings be upon His Messenger.

Dear brother, may you have a happy and blessed Ramadan, too!

In fact, all of us wish if the blessed month of Ramadan could be a month for the whole year. However, by the end of Ramadan, true Muslims anticipate the great reward for their devotion and dedication to their Creator, Allah Almighty. Every Muslim earnestly implores Allah to accept his Fasting. Zakat Al-Fitr was declared by the Prophet, peace and blessings be upon him, as a perquisite for the acceptance of fasting. It is meant to cement the relationship between the members of the Muslim society, to alleviate the pain of the poor, to cultivate the sense of brotherhood and solidarity in the hearts of the Muslims, etc.

Zakat Al-Fitr is incumbent on every free Muslim who possesses one Sa` (2.176 kilograms or 4.797 pounds) of dates or barley which is not needed as a basic food for himself or his family for the duration of one day and night. Every free Muslim must pay Zakat Al-Fitr for himself, his wife, children, and servants.

Ibn `Umar, may Allah be pleased with them both, said, "The Prophet, peace and blessings be upon him, enjoined the payment of one Sa` of dates or one Sa` of barley as Zakat Al-Fitr on every Muslim, young and old, male and female, free and slave." (Reported by Al-Bukhari and Muslim.)

Shedding more light on this issue, we'd like to cite for you the following fatwa on Zakat Al-Fitr issued by
Dr. Muzammil Siddiqi, President of the Fiqh Council of North America who states:
Zakat Al-Fitr is a special charity of the month of Ramadan. This charity should be given during the month of Ramadan anytime before the `Eid-ul-Fitr prayer. Because it can be given until the `Eid-ul-Fitr time, it is called Zakat Al-Fitr. The Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) urged Muslims to pay this charity in the month of Ramadan.

Various reasons are given by scholars for this obligatory charity. Some say that this charity helps the poor and needy and takes care of their needs in the month of Ramadan and also makes it possible for them to celebrate the `Eid festival with other Muslims. Other scholars maintain that this charity is meant to expiate (Kaffarah) for any mistakes or wrongdoings a person may have done during this blessed month. Ibn `Abbas said: The Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) enjoined Zakat Al-Fitr so that those who fast are purified of their sins and the poor and needy people are enabled to arrange for their basic needs of food, clothing etc. Therefore, the Sadaqah (charity) of the person who gives before the `Eid prayer is the real Sadaqah, but if someone delays and gives it afterwards, his charity will be an ordinary one. (Reported by Abu Dawud and Ibn Majah.)

Zakat Al-Fitr is obligatory upon every (capable) Muslim, whether male or female. The head of the household must pay this amount on behalf of his/her own self and on behalf of their spouse, children and even servants.

The amount of Zakat Al-Fitr was fixed by the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him). It is about 5 pounds of wheat, flour, barley, dates or raisins. Some jurists also allow paying cash to the poor and needy. The head of the household must pay this amount on behalf of all the members or the dependant, males or females, adults or children.

This Sadaqah should be given during Ramadan any time but before the `Eid-ul-Fitr prayer. The Sadaqah should be given to the poor and the needy. Individuals can also make the payments to Islamic charitable organizations that collect this fund. These organizations then should distribute these funds as soon as possible so that they reach to the needy people on time
.

Read more: http://www.islamonline.net/servlet/...AskTheScholar&cid=1119503544650#ixzz0zcT7uuE0