At the end days of the fasting month of Ramadan, all Muslims are required to pay a special charity called Zakat al-Fitr, also known as the Zakat of Breaking the Fast of Ramadan.

It is also known as Zakat al-Fitrah, the Charity of Human Nature, or the Human Creation, and Sadaqat al-Fitr, “the Charity of Breaking the Fast” of Ramadan, since it is an obligatory charity that all Muslims, regardless of age or gender, must give at the end of Ramadan.

The required payment is known as fitrah, which comes from the Arabic word fitr, which refers to the “nature” that God used to create humans. Fitr is also connected to the Arabic word for “fast-breaking,” or iftar, which is eaten after a period of abstaining from this “natural” desire of food all day.

The History of Zakat al-Fitr

In 2H, or the 2nd year of the Hijrah, zakat al-Fitr is established as a compulsory almsgiving during Sha’ban, the eighth month of the Islamic lunar calendar.

“Migration” or “emigration” is what the Arabic word hijrah (also written as Heigra or Hijra in English) signifies. It represents the migration of Prophet Muhammad, peace be upon him, and his followers who fled from the city of Makkah, the centre of trade in Arabia, which was being targeted by the idolaters. They continued northward from there to the agricultural city of Yathrib, which later developed into Al-Madinah Al-Nabi, also known as the City of the Prophet, or just Al-Madinah. With that migration, the Muslim hijri calendar, also known as the Hjrah year, begins.)

Zakat al-Fitr donations must be paid at the end of Ramadan in accordance with God’s revealed commandment in 2nd Hijri for Muslims to commemorate the commencement of the Quran’s revelation to the Prophet Muhammad, peace be upon him, 15 years prior. It was made known during the ninth month of the Islamic lunar calendar, Ramadan, by reintroducing the original form of worship: fasting (from sunrise to sunset) for the duration of the month or until the new crescent appears.

O you who believe! Fasting is prescribed for you as it has been prescribed for those who have believed before you, so you may be ever God-fearing. [Surah Al-Baqarah – 183]

It’s valid for a predetermined amount of days. The Quran was originally revealed during the month of Ramadan, offering guidance to everyone and containing unambiguous evidence of divine direction as well as standards of good and wrong.

So whoever among you bears witness to the month shall then fast it. [Surah Al-Baqarah – 185]

In contrast to other forms of almsgiving or charity, zakat al-Fitr is mandatory on the individual Muslim rather than on his or her earnings or riches.

Is Zakat al-Fitr Mandatory on All Muslims?

Yes, Zakat al-Fitr is Mandatory on All Muslims

The Prophet, peace be upon him, named the Ramadan Fast-Breaking Alms as “Zakat.” The Quran states:

And duly establish the Salah-Prayer and give the Zakat-Charity. (Surat al-Baqarah, 2:110 and Surat al-Nisa’, 4:77)

The Companions of the Prophet, peace be upon them, reported:

The Messenger of Allah, God bless him and grant him peace, “imposed” the Zakat of Fast-Breaking [at the close of Ramadan] at the measure of one sa‘ (4 double-handfuls) of dates or one sa‘ of barley, on every Muslim, free or bondsman, male or female.

This language is understood by the great majority of academics to require a “obligatory” almsgiving. Similar prophetic accounts use wording that explicitly “commanded” all Muslims to fulfil their obligation to offer alms at the end of Ramadan.

Every free Muslim who owns one Sa of dates or barley that is not required as daily sustenance for himself or his family must pay Zakat al Fitr. This obligation lasts for a full day and night. It is mandatory for every Muslim who is free to give Zakat al Fitr for their spouse, children, and servants. These are the views of Ahmad, Al-Shafii, and Imam Malik. But according to Imam Abu Hanifah, it is only required of someone who has a nisab, or minimal amount of property, after covering the expenses of their dwelling, servant, horse, and weapon.

What Does Zakat al-Fitr Serve as?

The two main goals of zakat al-Fitr are communal and spiritual, respectively, for each individual worshipper.

How much does Fitrana (Zakat ul Fitr) cost per person?

In the days of the Prophet (SAW), one saa’ would be granted for Fitrana (Zakat ul Fitr). As a result, the Prophet (SAW) describes the amount as 1 saa’ of food (one saa’ being equal to four madd). The amount that can be gathered by putting two hands together is called a madd.

Accurately calculating the Zakat al-Fitr amount is a crucial step for Muslims who wish to correctly satisfy their religious responsibilities. This required contribution is equivalent to the price of a typical meal or, depending on the cost of the staple food in the area, its monetary equivalent. This approach makes sure that everyone, regardless of income level, may continue to afford and participate in Zakat al-Fitr.

People ask all the time, “How much is Eid fitrana?” This comes to about $5 if we convert it to a monetary value based on the cost of a basic item like rice or flour. As a result, $5 is the amount owed to each individual. but you should consult your local authorities about how much Zakat al-Fitr is this year in your currency.

Sadaqat-ul-Fitr vs Zakat-ul-Fitr

The names “Sadaqatul Fitr” and “Zakat ul Fitr” are frequently used interchangeably, referring to the same charity act carried out after Ramadan. “Zakat-ul-Fitr” highlights the act’s mandatory aspect, whilst “Sadaqatul Fitr” translates to “charity of breaking the fast.” Whichever phraseology used, both convey the same altruistic duty to cleanse the fasting Muslims and support the underprivileged.

When to Offer Zakat al-Fitr

It’s important to time your Zakat ul Fitr. The donation to charity should ideally be made in the final days of Ramadan and must be paid before the day of Eid ul-Fitr. In addition to fulfilling their religious duty, Muslims can add to the festive spirit of Eid celebrations by making sure that Zakat ul Fitr is distributed on time.

Conclusion

Zakat al-Fitr is an obligatory almsgiving that every Muslim must pay at the end of Ramadan month, before Eid. its a religious obligation and helps bridge the gap between rich and poor. Its main goal is to cleanse people who fast during Ramadan of any transgressions or improper behavior and to provide aid to those in need so that everyone can enjoy the wonderful celebration of Eid ul-Fitr. so don’t forget to give your Zakat al-Fitr on time and enjoy the auspicious occasion of Eid!

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