The Prophet (Sal Allahu alayhi wa sallam) made Zakat al-fitr compulsory on every slave, freeman, male, female, young or old among the Muslims. One Saa’which is a measurement of for double handfuls of dried dates or one Saa of barely. (Sahih Buhari-Arabic/English, vol 2, p 339 no.579).

Unfortunately, our community makes some basic boo-boos in the payment of Zakat Al-Fitr that must be clarified.

1-Paying at Eid Salah: Some people go to Eid prayers and drop money into the donation box thinking that they have paid their Zakat ul-Fitr. No Zakat al Fitr, which is food, must be in the hands of the needy family BEFORE Eid prayer.

2-Snail Mailing the Money overseas: One cannot mail the money overseas and have it arrived in the hands of the needy people after Eid prayer is over, it needs to before.

3-Not Paying: Yes, as simple as this boo-boo is, it is HARAM to skip the payment of Zakat Al-Fitr. Everyone must pay Zakat Al-Fitr, every member of the household, so if you have 8 people in your house, Zakat Al-Fitr must be paid times 8, even if the youngest member is just few days old.

4-Confusing Zakat ul-Fitr with Zakat Ul-Maal: We are talking about Zakat al-Fitr here (think ‘Iftar’ i.e Ramadan) Zakat al-Maal (Maal literally means wealth), is the Zakah due on one’s money and that could be due anytime during the year depending on when it was due.

5-Giving Money Instead of Food: Although some scholars have allowed giving money instead of food, the spirit of Zakat Al-Fitr is to give food to the needy of the community, NOT money. The companion of the Prophet Abu Sa’eed al-Khudree, Radi Allahu anhu, said, “In the Prophet’s time(SAW), We used to give it (Zakatul-Fitr) as a Sa’ of food, dried dates, barley, raisins or dried cheese”. (Buhari-Arabic/English vol 2, p 340, no.582)

6-Giving One’s Zakat al Fitr to a Charitable Building Project. The spirit of Zakat Al-Fitr is that the needy should have plentiful food on Eid. All eight types of recipient of Zakah mentioned in the Quran are HUMAN being not” Building Project”

Happy Eid Al-Fitr Celebration.

By Ouranic Reminders...www.visionaireramadan.com