A Complete Guide on Zakat al-Fitr or Fitrana

Zakat al Fitr, also called Fitrana in Islam, is a mandatory charity given in the form of food or its equivalent, to the needy before the Eid prayer.

The connection between "zakah" and "fitr" in Arabic is due to a grammatical structure called "idaafah". This is because breaking the fast is what makes zakah obligatory.

Ibn' Abbas (may Allah be pleased with him) reported:

"The Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) ordained Zakat ul Fitr [Fitrana] to purify the fasting person from indecent words or actions and to provide food for the needy. It is accepted as Zakat for the person who gives it before the Eid prayer, but it is a mere Sadaqah for the one who gives it after the prayer." 

[Abu Dawud and Ibn Majah]

Let's dive into the details of Zakat al Fitr:

When Zakat al Fitr is Due?

The scholars unitedly agree that Zakat al Fitr or fitrana should be paid at the end of Ramadan. However, there is a difference of opinion regarding the precise timing.

Some scholars argue that it should be paid at sunset on the night of Eid. This includes Al-Thawri, Ishaq, Malik (in one of two reports), and Al-Shafi'i (in one of his two opinions).

Conversely, Al-Layth, the Hanafi school, and Al-Shafi'i (in his other opinion) propose that Zakat al-Fitr is due at the beginning of Fajr (dawn) on the day of Eid. Additionally, in the second report Malik suggests that Zakat al-Fitr is linked with Eid festivities.

To better comprehend the narrative above, consider the following example:

This discrepancy becomes relevant in cases where a baby is born between sunset and dawn. It determines whether Zakat al Fitr is obligatory for the newborn.

• The first view holds that it's not obligatory due to the birth occurring after the prescribed time.
• The second view deems it necessary as the birth falls within the prescribed time frame.

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:

• Ibn 'Abbas said:

“The Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) made Zakat al-Fitr obligatory as a means of purifying the fasting person from idle talk and foul language, and to feed the poor. Whoever pays it before the prayer, it is an accepted zakah, and whoever pays it after the prayer, it is just a kind of 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 above hadith, Ibn al-Atheer said: 

“`Foul language’ refers to obscene speech. ‘Feeding [the poor]’ refers to food that is edible. ‘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 will prosper who purify themselves, and glorify the name of their Guardian-Lord, and (lift their hearts) in Prayer.”

[al-A’laa 87:14-15].

• Umar ibn ‘Abd al-‘Azeez and Abu’l-‘Aaliyah 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., Salat al-‘Eid.” 

(Al-Jassaas, Ahkaam al-Quran, part 3, Surah al-A’laa)

• 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).

Timeframe for 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.

Zakat al Fitr Amount

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

According to his directive, each fasting individual should give out Zakat al-Fitr, equivalent to one saa’ of staple food per person under their care. This 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.

Zakat al Fitr Calculation 

• 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:
$2 × 4 = $8 per person.

Purpose of Zakat al Fitr

Following are the main two purposes of Zakat al fitr: 

Spiritual

It follows fasting, which aims to purify the soul. Fasting involves abstaining from food, drink, and impure thoughts or actions. Zakat al Fitr helps cleanse the worshiper and is a requirement for the acceptance of fasting.

Communal

It helps the poor and needy. Donations are usually given during Eid al-Fitr, along with communal prayers and feasting. Eid is a day of prayer and gathering, allowing Muslims to share their blessings with the poor as Ramadan ends.

Classification of 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.

Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) mandated Zakat al Fitr in Islam 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.

Zakat al Fitr Rules

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 sure 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 the 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.

Recipients of Zakat al Fitr

Here are the recipients of Zakat al Fitr:

• Zakat al-Fitr can be given to the same categories of people 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 of 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.

Difference Between Zakat al Maal and Zakat al Fitr

Both Zakat al-Mal and Zakat al Fitr or fitrana in Islam 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, or Fitrana in Islam, holds great importance. It serves as a means of purification and expresses gratitude after the blessed month of Ramadan. Understanding its calculation, recipients, and rules ensures that Muslims fulfill this obligatory charity effectively.

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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