Sadaqat Al-Fitr is an obligatory charity that every Muslim must pay if they possess the required amount. Its purpose is to help the needy, bring joy to the hearts of the poor during Eid, and cleanse the fasting person from the nullities and frivolities of the month of Ramadan. This obligation carries special wisdom, conditions, and rulings that we will discuss in detail below, Allah willing.
A: The Origin of the Word “Fitr”
In the dictionary, the word “Fitr” is derived from the phrase «أفطر الصائم إفطاراً», which means “breaking the fast.” Zakat is added to “Fitr” because the act of breaking the fast is the reason for its obligation. Some have also referred to it as «فطرة», as if it were derived from “Fitrah,” meaning creation.
Imam Nawawi has indicated that the money paid is called “Fitrah.” “Fitrah” is pronounced with the suffix (فِطْرَة) only in this way; it is a coined term, neither originally Arabic nor Arabized, but rather a term coined by jurists. In religious terminology, it has a specific meaning, similar to prayer and zakat. Therefore, in technical terms, Zakat Al-Fitr is a charity that is obligatory upon the breaking of the fast of Ramadan.
B: The Ruling on Zakat Al-Fitr
Sadaqat Al-Fitr is obligatory upon every Muslim who possesses the required amount. The reason for its obligation is narrated from Ibn Umar (MABH), who said: The Messenger of Allah (PBUH) made Zakat Al-Fitr obligatory for the people to the extent of one Saa (around 3 kilograms) of dates, or one Saa of barley. He also mentioned: “For every free person and slave, young and old, give half a Saa of wheat or one Saa of dates or barley.”
Furthermore, the individual who possesses the requisite amount must pay Zakat Al-Fitr for themselves and for all those whose maintenance they are responsible for, over whom they have complete guardianship. Guardianship implies that a person can manage the affairs of others without their consent. Therefore, a father must pay Zakat Al-Fitr for his minor son, daughter, and any disabled elder son.
C: The Wisdom of Legislating Sadaqat Al-Fitr
The wisdom behind legislating Zakat Al-Fitr includes helping the poor by freeing them from begging on the day of Eid and creating joy for them on this blessed day, just as Muslims rejoice when Eid arrives. Zakat Al-Fitr also purifies a person from any idle or frivolous speech that may have occurred during the month of fasting.
Abu Dawud narrated from Ibn Abbas (MABH) that the Prophet (PBUH) made Zakat Al-Fitr obligatory to purify the fasting person from idle and obscene talk, and to provide food for the poor. Whoever pays Zakat Al-Fitr before the Eid prayer will have their Zakat accepted; however, if it is paid after the prayer, it will be considered merely a regular charity.
D: Conditions for the Obligation of Zakat Al-Fitr
The conditions for the obligation of Zakat Al-Fitr are as follows:
1. Islam: Zakat Al-Fitr is obligatory only for Muslims and is not required of non-Muslims.
2. Freedom: Zakat Al-Fitr is obligatory for free individuals, not for slaves.
3. Financial Capacity: Financial capacity refers to possessing an amount upon which Zakat becomes obligatory, such as gold, silver, livestock, or commercial property. The amount for Zakat Al-Fitr concerning silver is 200 dirhams. If someone possesses this amount, in addition to their basic needs (food, clothing, shelter, weapons, and horses), then Zakat Al-Fitr becomes obligatory for them.
E: The Reason for Its Obligation and Time
Hanafi jurists say that the obligation for Zakat Al-Fitr begins at dawn on the day of Eid. Their reasoning is based on a hadith from Nafi, from Ibn Umar (MABH), who said: “The Messenger of Allah (PBUH) ordered that Zakat Al-Fitr be paid before the people go out for the Eid prayer.”
However, if someone pays their Zakat Al-Fitr before Eid arrives, it will still be accepted. There is even a hadith from Imam Abu Hanifa stating that paying Zakat Al-Fitr before this time, even up to one or two years in advance, is permissible, similar to regular Zakat. Nonetheless, some Hanafi scholars assert that Zakat Al-Fitr should only be paid within the month of Ramadan, and this view is considered more authoritative and correct within the Hanafi school of thought.
F: Ingredients and Amount of Sadaqat Al-Fitr
Sadaqat Al-Fitr has specific ingredients that must be used for payment, including wheat, barley, dates, and raisins. Half a Saa of wheat (approximately two kilograms) and one Saa of the remaining ingredients (three and a half kilograms) are given as Sadaqat Al-Fitr to the poor.
Note: According to the Hanafis, paying the monetary equivalent of the ingredients for Sadaqat Al-Fitr is permissible and preferable.
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