Zakat al-Fitr (Fitrana): The Zakat of Ramadan

Ever wonder if your Ramadan worship had imperfections that need purification before Eid's celebration?

Even if you tried your best, moments of forgetfulness or missed opportunities could affect your fast. As Eid approaches, those little gaps might make you feel like your Ramadan isn’t fully complete.

Zakat al Fitr is the key to cleansing those flaws.

Let’s understand the role of Zakat al Fitr in perfecting your Ramadan.

What is Zakat al-Fitr in Islam?

Zakat al-Fitr, also known as fitrana in Islam. The term Zakat al Fitr comes from an Arabic phrase where zakah means ‘to purify’ and fitrah means 'nature,'. 

The word 'zakah' is connected to 'fitr' because it emphasizes the obligation of charity. The term "fitrah" comes from the Arabic word "fitr," meaning "nature," symbolizing the act of breaking the fast and eating after abstaining from food. 

Therefore, Zakat al-Fitr's meaning is "purifying charity of breaking the fast".  It is also called Sadaqat al-Fitr, or Zakat al-Fitrah, the "Alms of Human Nature."

This mandatory charity is required from every Muslim regardless of age or gender at the end of Ramadan.

Ibn Abbas (may Allah be pleased with him) narrated:

"The Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings be upon him) prescribed Zakat ul Fitr [Fitrana] to cleanse the fasting individual from any improper speech or actions and to provide sustenance for the needy. It is considered Zakat if given before the Eid prayer, but becomes ordinary Sadaqah if given after the prayer."
[Abu Dawud and Ibn Majah]

Amount of Zakat al-Fitr

The Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) specified Zakat ul Fitr as one saa’ ( صاع ) of staple food. 

According to his directive, each fasting individual should give out Zakat al-Fitr, equivalent to one saa’ ( صاع ) of staple food per person under their care. Zakat al-Fitr measurement is not based on weight but on volume, approximating the size of a large salad bowl. 

A saa’ comprises four mudds, with each mudd resembling a smaller container, akin to a small salad bowl. To be exact, a Prophetic mudd corresponds to approximately 0.75 liters (or 750 mL). This implies that a saa’ equals three liters in modern volume measurements.

Calculation of Zakat al-Fitr

Formula:

To calculate Zakat al-Fitr amount for any number of family members:

Example:

Imagine a family of four members: the head of the household, their spouse, and two children.

The cost of one main food item (such as rice) is $2 per kilogram.

Calculation:

Zakat al-Fitr is equal to four times the cost of one main food item.

In our example, the cost of one kilogram of rice is $2.

Therefore, Zakat al-Fitr for each member of the household would be:

When to Pay Zakat al-Fitr?

Zakat al-Fitr should be given before the Eid prayer, as instructed by the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him). 

There are two recommended times for its giving: 

• Preferable time: It's preferred to give it on the day of Eid, allowing time for distribution before the Eid prayer.
• Acceptable time: It's also acceptable to give it one or two days before Eid. Ibn 'Umar used to distribute it a few days before Eid to ensure its delivery.

Scholarly Opinions on the Timing of Zakat al-Fitr

• Consensus: Scholars agree that Zakat al-Fitr must be paid at the end of Ramadan.
• Differences in Timing:
• At Sunset on the Night of Eid:
• Supported by scholars such as Al-Thawri, Ishaq, Malik (in one opinion), and Al-Shafi'i (in one opinion).
• At Fajr (Dawn) on the Day of Eid:
• Advocated by Al-Layth, the Hanafi school, and Al-Shafi'i (in his other opinion).
• Malik (in a second opinion) links Zakat al-Fitr to Eid festivities.

Example: Newborn Timing and Zakat al-Fitr Obligation

• If a baby is born between sunset and dawn, the obligation varies:
• View 1: Zakat al-Fitr is not obligatory because the birth occurred after sunset time.
• View 2: Zakat al-Fitr is obligatory because the birth happened within the valid time frame.

This division highlights the nuance in scholarly interpretations regarding the exact timing for Zakat al-Fitr.

Who Must Give Zakat al-Fitr?

Sadaqat al-Fitr is an obligatory duty (Wajib) for every Muslim, regardless of gender or age, as long as they are capable of fulfilling it. 

According to Islamic tradition, Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) mandated Zakat al-Fitr for all members of the Muslim community. This community includes slaves, free individuals, men, women, and people of all ages. 

During the Prophet's lifetime, Abu Sa'eed al-Khudree recounted that they would give on behalf of everyone in their household. This included the young and old, free individuals and slaves, providing a specific measure of grain, cheese, or raisins.

Who Can Receive Zakat al-Fitr?

Here are the recipients of Zakat al-Fitr:

• Zakat al-Fitr can be given to the same 8 categories of people (Masarif-e-Zakat) as Zakat al-maal.
• According to the majority opinion, it includes the poor and needy, among others.
• However, some scholars like the Maalikis, Ahmad, and Ibn Taymiyyah suggest giving it exclusively to the poor and needy.
• Al-Shaafa'i states that Zakat al-Fitr should be distributed among the same recipients as Zakat al-maal.
• These include the poor, slaves seeking freedom, debtors, those fighting in the path of Allah, and travelers.
• Al-Nawawi emphasizes that Zakat al-Fitr should not be given to non-Muslims.
• Zakat should be given to those with overwhelming debts or insufficient income to meet their needs.

Types of Things May be Given as Zakat al-Fitr

Zakat al-Fitr is given as food that is consumed by humans, typically the staple food of the region.

Here’s a breakdown of what can be given:

Food Items Mentioned in Zakat al-Fitr Hadith

• Dates: One saa’ of dates is permissible.
• Barley: One saa’ of barley was commonly given during the Prophet’s (PBUH) time.
• Reference: Ibn ‘Umar reported that the Messenger of Allah (PBUH) made one saa’ of dates or barley obligatory as Zakat al-Fitr.  (Al-Bukhari, 1408)
• Other Foods Consumed Locally:
• Abu Sa’eed al-Khudri mentioned that Zakat al-Fitr was given as one saa’ of barley, raisins, aqit (dried yogurt), or dates.

Staple Foods Accepted

• Locally Staple Foods: Zakat al-Fitr should be given in the staple food of the area, such as:
• Wheat
• Rice
• Lentils
• Corn
• Pearl millet (dukhn)
• Thin-husked barley (sult)

Scholarly Opinions on Acceptable Items

• Al-Shaafa’i’s View: Any staple grain or food that zakah is typically paid on (like grains or fruits) can be given. (Al-Shaafa’i, Al-Umm)
• Al-Nawawi’s Perspective: Food items like aqit (dried yogurt), cheese, and milk are acceptable, but non-staple items like fish, eggs, or fruits (e.g., figs) are not valid for Zakat al-Fitr.

Modern Considerations

• Weight Equivalent:
• Pasta or macaroni made from wheat is acceptable, provided the weight equals one saa’ of wheat.
• Staple Food Variance:
• Ibn al-Qayyim argued that Zakat al-Fitr should match the staple food of each region. For example:
• In countries where fish or rice is the staple food, it is permissible to give these instead of dates.

Key Notes from Scholars

• Unacceptable Items: Meat, fruits, or non-staple items are not valid for Zakat al-Fitr, even if they are widely consumed locally.
• Principle of Sharee’ah: Aligning Zakat al-Fitr with the staple food of the region is closer to the intent of Islamic law.

“This approach aligns with the principles of sharee’ah, as it ensures Zakat al-Fitr is relevant and practical to the community receiving it.”
– Ibn al-Qayyim

How to Distribute Zakat al-Fitr?

Distributing Zakat al-Fitr requires care to ensure it reaches those who are entitled to it.

Below are key points for proper distribution:

Preferable Method of Distribution

• Personal Distribution:
• The giver should distribute Zakat al-Fitr personally.
• Al-Shaafa’i’s Opinion:
• “I prefer to distribute Zakat al-Fitr myself rather than giving it to a collector.” (Al-Mukhtasar)
• Alternative Options:
• It is permissible to give Zakat al-Fitr to a trustworthy collector or a Muslim leader who has been authorized to distribute it. However, personal distribution is still preferred.

Role of Trustworthy Individuals

• Appointing a Trustee:
• A reliable person may be appointed to deliver Zakat al-Fitr to the deserving.
• Warning Against Dishonesty:
• If the trustee is not trustworthy, it is not allowed to delegate the task to them.
• Example: Ibn Abi Mulaykah criticized leaving Zakat al-Fitr in the mosque, as the governor at the time was using it for unentitled individuals.

Distribution Among Recipients

• Flexibility in Distribution:
• It is permissible to:
• Share one saa’ (unit of measurement) among multiple needy individuals.
• Give multiple saa’ to a single individual.
• Imam Ahmad’s View:
• Distributing a single saa’ across a group or giving many saa’ to one person is permissible.
• Giving on Behalf of Family:
• Malik’s Opinion:
• A person may give Zakat al-Fitr on behalf of themselves and their family to one needy individual. (Al-Mudawwanah)

Important Considerations in Distribution

• Giving Less Than One Saa’:
• If less than a saa’ is given to a recipient, this must be communicated to avoid misunderstandings.
• Redistribution by the Poor:
• A poor person who receives Zakat al-Fitr and has more than they need may redistribute it on behalf of themselves or their dependents.
• Condition:
• The redistributed food must meet the required quantity and type.

The most rewarding method is to personally deliver Zakat al-Fitr to those in need, ensuring it fulfills its purpose and is distributed fairly.

Wisdom of Zakat al-Fitr

Here are the profound Hadiths on Zakat al-Fitr, illustrating the hidden wisdom and immense importance of this obligatory charity in Islam:

Importance of Zakat al-Fitr

Ibn Abbas (May Allah be pleased with him) said:

“The Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) made Zakat al-Fitr obligatory to purify the fasting person from idle talk and foul language, while also providing for the poor. If paid before the prayer, it is considered an accepted zakah; if paid after, it is regarded as regular charity (Sadaqah).”

(Reported by Abu Dawood, 1371. Al-Nawawi said: Abu Dawood reported it from Ibn 'Abbas with a hasan isnaad) 

• "Purifying" in above hadith refers to cleansing the soul of the fasting individual during Ramadan. 
• Concerning the term "foul language" in the above hadith, Ibn al-Atheer said: 

‘Foul language’ refers to obscene speech. ‘Feeding [the poor]’ refers to edible food. ‘Whoever pays it before the prayer’ means before Salat al-‘Eid. 

‘It is an accepted zakah’ – here zakah means Sadaqat al-fitr. ‘Just a kind of charity’ means a kind of charity that could be given at any time.

(‘Awn al-Ma’bood Sharh Abi Dawood)

It was mentioned that this interpretation aligns with the verse in Surah Al-A'la (interpretation of the meaning): 

“But those who purify themselves, honor the name of their Lord, and engage in heartfelt prayer will succeed.” 
[al-A’laa 87:14-15]

Zakat al-Fitr and Salat al-Eid

Umar ibn ‘Abd al-‘Azeez (May Allah be pleased with him) and Abu’l-‘Aaliyah (May Allah be pleased with him) said:

“He [the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him)] paid Zakat al-Fitr then he went out for the prayer – i.e., Prayer of Eid al-Fitr.” 
(Ahkaam al-Quran, part 3, Surah al-A’laa)

Zakat al-Fitr as a Compensation for Shortcomings

Wakee’ ibn al-Jarrah said: 

“Zakat al-Fitr for the month of Ramadan is like two sajdahs of sahw for the prayer. It makes up for any shortcomings in the fast as the prostrations make up for any shortcomings in the prayer.” 
(Al-Nawawi, al-Majmoo’, part 6)

Rules of Zakat al-Fitr

Here are the rules of Zakat al-Fitr:

• Zakat al-Fitr must be distributed within a specific timeframe. This timeframe is from sunset on the last day of fasting until the beginning of the Eid prayer, shortly after sunrise the next day.
• Missing this timeframe without a valid excuse constitutes a sin, and one must compensate for it.
• It is permissible to pay Zakat al-Fitr before the specified timeframe, as many of the Sahabah used to offer it a couple of days before Eid.
• Some scholars consider delaying Zakat al-Fitr until after Eid prayer forbidden, as it amounts to making up a missed duty. Giving it after the prayer is akin to mere charity.
• Delaying it without a valid reason is considered sinful.
• Zakat al-Fitr must be handed over to an eligible recipient or an appointed collector before Eid prayer. If the intended recipient cannot be found, it should be given to another eligible person.
• If appointing someone else to give Zakat al-Fitr, the giver remains responsible until it's delivered.
• The father has the authority to pay Sadaqah al-Fitr for his mature children after seeking their approval.
• A person can pay fitrah for his wife and children without their consent if they are under his guardianship. He typically has the authority to do so.
• However, one cannot give their Fitrah to their impoverished spouse, parents, grandparents, children, or grandchildren.

Difference Between Zakat and Zakat al-Fitr

Both Zakat al-Mal and Zakat al-Fitr share a similar objective, yet they have notable distinctions. 

Zakat al-mal constitutes an Islamic levy on wealth, while Zakat al-fitr represents a contribution made by the head of the household for the entire family. 

Now, let's explore further disparities between the two:

All in all,  Zakat al-Fitr is a mandatory charity given at the end of Ramadan to purify the fasting person and help those in need. It must be distributed before the Eid prayer and is typically equivalent to 3 kg of staple food. It should be given to eligible recipients, such as the poor and needy, ensuring the blessings of Ramadan are shared with others. 

Zakat al-Fitr’s timely payment before Eid prayer ensures that those in need can partake in the joyous occasion. The distinction between Zakat al-Mal and Zakat al-Fitr underscores the unique purposes of each in Islamic practice.

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