Explanation of Zakat al-Fitr and Hadith

Explanation of Zakat al-Fitr

Zakat al-Fitr is a special charity that Muslims must give before the Eid al-Fitr prayer at the end of the month of Ramadan. It is obligatory on every Muslim who has enough food or wealth beyond their basic needs.

It is called “Fitr” because it is connected to breaking the fast after Ramadan.

Purpose of Zakat al-Fitr.

Islamic scholars explain that Zakat al-Fitr has two main purposes:

1. Purification of the fasting person

It cleanses mistakes, idle talk, or shortcomings that may have occurred during fasting.

2. Helping the poor

It ensures that poor and needy Muslims can also celebrate Eid al-Fitr with food and happiness.

Hadith about Zakat al-Fitr.

A famous hadith reported by Abdullah ibn Abbas states:

> The Messenger of Allah, Muhammad, made Zakat al-Fitr obligatory as purification for the fasting person from idle talk and obscenity and as food for the poor. Whoever gives it before the Eid prayer, it is accepted as Zakat; whoever gives it after the prayer, it is just ordinary charity.

Source: Sunan Abu Dawud and Sunan Ibn Majah.

Amount of Zakat al-Fitr.

The Prophet ﷺ instructed that the amount should be one “Saʿ” of staple food.

Examples of foods mentioned in hadith include:

Dates

Barley

Wheat

Raisins

This is based on a narration from Abdullah ibn Umar recorded in Sahih al-Bukhari and Sahih Muslim.

Today, many scholars allow giving the cash equivalent based on the price of staple food in one's country.

Who Must Pay It.

Zakat al-Fitr is obligatory for:

Every adult Muslim who can afford it

Parents on behalf of their children

The head of the household for family members.

Time for Giving Zakat al-Fitr

The correct time is:

Best time: Before the Eid prayer

Permissible: 1–2 days before Eid

Disliked: After the Eid prayer (counts as normal charity)

Zakat al-Fitr is an obligatory charity at the end of Ramadan that purifies fasting and provides food for the poor so they can enjoy Eid.

SHARE THIS