*WHAT IS ZAKAATUL-FITR?*
The word _'Iftaar',_ comes to mind. _Zakaatul-Fitr_ is the charity that we give at the end of Ramadhan. *Ibn `Umar* reported that _Rasul (SAW),_ made _Zakaatul-Fitr_ compulsory on every slave, freeman, male, female, young and old among the Muslims; one _Sa`y_ (a measurement: four double handfuls) of dried dates or one _Sa`y_ of barely. *_[Bukhari]._*
A _'Sa'y_ is 4 complete scoops as scooped up with two hands of a man of average build. It is a measure of volume; not weight. It is equivalent to *approximately 3 Litres.* Scholarly estimations in Kg puts it at *1 _SA’Y_= 2.1 to 3kg.*

*WHEN IS IT DUE?* When the sun sets on the last day of _Ramadan,_ because _Rasul (SAW)_ called it _Sadaqatul-fitr,_ and _Fitr_ or breaking the fast of _Ramadaan_ comes when the sun sets on the night of _Eid_ (i.e., the night before _Eid_).

*WHY GIVE?*
It was enjoined on those who fast to purify their fasts and shield it from any indecent act or speech, and for the purpose of providing food for the needy.

*IS IT OBLIGATORY?* *_YES!_* It is obligatory upon every _Muslim,_ if he has one _Sa’y_ or more than he needs of food for himself and his family on the night & day of Eid to give for himself & his dependants.

*MUST I GIVE FOR MY BABY BORN IN RAMADAAN OR BEFORE EID SALAH?*
*_YES_*

*WHEN TO GIVE?*
Must be given out before the _Eid_ prayer, it is permissible to pay it one or two days before _Eid,_ as was reported by *Ibn ‘Umar (RA)*

*WHAT TO GIVE?*
*Abu Sa’eed al-Khudri* narrated: “ We used to give _Zakaatul-Fitr_ when the prophet (SAW) was alive, a _Sa’y_ of food or a _Say_ of dates or a _Sa’y_ of barley or a _Sa’y_ of raisins or a _Sa’y_ of dried yoghurt.” *_( Agreed upon)._*
It is acceptable to give a _Sa’y_ of any other local staple food such as rice, wheat etc.

It is essential to *NOTE* that *_ZAKAATUL-FITR_ MUST BE FOOD, NOT MONEY* because money/currency was available during the time of the prophet (SAW) but he did not give it in the form of _Dinaar_ or _Dirham_ as _Zakaatul-fitr_ but *gave food only*

*WHAT IS THE _SA’Y_ (MEASURE/QUANTITY) OF THE PROPHET (SAW)?*
A _Sa'y_ is *4* complete scoops, as scooped up with two hands of a man of average build. *It is a measure of volume, not weight.* It is equivalent to approximately 3 Litre. Scholarly estimations in Kg puts it at *1 _Sa’y_ = 2.1 to 3kg.* 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 in (kg) of a _Sa’y_ of the same kind of grain may vary, and fresh may weigh more than old. The estimation of *Shaykh Ibn Baaz* (may Allaah have mercy on him) and the scholars of the Standing Committee (9/371), say *3- kilograms.* *Shaykh Ibn ‘Uthaymeen* (may Allah have mercy on him) estimated it as being *2.1 kg,* as it says in *Fataawa al-Zakaah, p. 274-276.* This discrepancy occurred because *a _Sa'y_ is a measure of volume, not weight.* The scholars worked it out by weight so that it would be easier to comprehend. Hence, if people err on the side of caution and give more, that will be better.

*CAN I GIVE IT TO NON- MUSLIMS?*
It is not permissible to give it to anyone *except a needy Muslim.*

*CAN I GIVE ON BEHALF OF OTHERS*
If you cannot find any Muslim where you live, you can delegate someone else to give it on your behalf in another state/country, but *must reach the needy in the form of food before _Eid_ Prayer.*

*HOW POOR CAN I BE NOT TO GIVE IT?*
If you do not have more than one _Sa'y_ that is needed of food for you and your family on the day and night of _Eid._

*CAN I GIVE IT TO MY EXTENDED FAMILY?*
*Yes,* if they are Muslims and needy.

*IF I AM NEEDY AND ELIGIBLE TO RECEIVE, MUST I ALSO GIVE?* *Yes,* if you have one _Sa'y_ or more than you need of food for yourself and family on the day and night of _Eid,_ you should give and you may also receive.

*CAN I GIVE LESS THAN OR MORE THAN ONE _SA'Y_ TO ONE PERSON?*
You can give more than one _Sa'y_ to one person but not less than one _Sa'y_ to one person. So, minimum of one _Sa'y_ to one person.

*CAN I GIVE ON BEHALF OF A MUSLIM WHO DIED BEFORE THE END OF _RAMADAN?_*
If a person died before the sun sets on the night of _Eid_ (i.e., the night before _Eid_) he does not have to pay this _Zakaah._ If a person lives until the time when it becomes obligatory, then dies before paying it, then it should be paid on his behalf from his wealth. This is because it is a duty that he owes and becomes a debt that must be paid on his behalf.

Jazaakallahu khairaa

kazlaw2000:
Jazaakallahu khairaa

Waaya kum.