Lesson 2 - Zakat Al Fitr

What is Zakat al Fitr? How to calculate Zakat al Fitr? Tune in with us to find out!

It is the Zakat that purifies one’s fast instead of wealth. In Islamic Sahri’ah, it is the fixed amount of food that is given to extremely poor (Miskeen) Muslims.

Fixed Amount

It can only be given in a fixed amount of food. If someone wants to give it in the form of money, they can do so by giving the money to a person or organization that takes the responsibility to purchase food of that money and give it to the needy.

How Much to Give for Zakat Al Fitr

“How much to give for Zakat al Fitr?” is answered by the Holy Prophet (PBUH): “Give a saa’ of wheat or wheat grain to two people, or a saa’ of dates or barley for every free person and slave and young and old. (Musnad Ahmad Vol.5 Hadith 23775)

 This equals about 3 kilos of rice, barley, oats, etc., and about ½ kg of wheat.

Wisdom Behind Zakat al Fitr

The wisdom behind it is that:

• It purifies our fasts.
• It expresses our gratitude to Allah as He gave us enough to fast all Ramadan.
• It is a way to help the extremely poor and needy persons that don’t have enough to eat.

When to Give Zakat Al Fitr

Muslims have to give Zakat al Fitr before the Eid Salaah. It is also permissible to give Zakat al Fitr on the eve of Eid ul Fitr or 2 or 3 days before Eid ul Fitr.

The Messenger of Allah (PBUH) said: “…Whoever gives it (Zakat ul Fitr) before the [‘ Eid] Prayer will have it Counted as an Accepted Sadaqah, and whoever gives it After the Prayer will have it Counted as a Charity among Charities” (Sunan Abu Dawood Vol.2 Hadith 1609)

Difference Between Zakat and Zakat al Fitr

The differences between Zakat and Zakat al Fitr are:

Zakat

• Means to purify one’s wealth
• Can be given at any time of the year
• Can be given in any form
• Eight categories of recipients of Zakat

Zakat al Fitr

• Means to purify one’s fast
• Should be given within 2 days of Eid ul Fitr and not after Eid ul Fitr Salaah
• Can be given only in the form of food
• It is only for the very poor and Miskeen Muslims that don’t have the provision of eating food regularly

There are also other differences that will be explained in detail by Dr. Zakir Naik in our sitting with him. Enroll in our course to learn all the necessary small details.

Ibn’ Abbas narrated: “The Messenger of Allah (PBUH) obligated Zakat al Fitr on the one who fasts.. as a means of feeding the poor.” (Abu Dawood Vol.2 Hadith 1609).