Zakat Information Center

Zakaah al-Fitr

2008-12-03T01:00:00.001-08:00

1. MEANING Zakaah al-Fitr is often referred to as Sadaqah al-Fitr. The word Fitr means the same as Iftaar, breaking a fast and it comes from the same root word as Futoor which means breakfast. Thus, Islamically, Zakaah al-Fitr is the name given to charity which is distributed at the end of the fast of Ramadaan.

2. CLASSIFICATION Sadaqah al-Fitr is a duty which is Waajib on every Muslim, whether male or female, minor or adult as long as he/she has the means to do so.

The proof that this form of charity is compulsory can be found in the Sunnah whereby Ibn `Umar reported that the Prophet (sallallaahu `alaihi wa sallam) made Zakaah al-Fitr compulsory on every slave, freeman, male, female, young and old among the Muslims; one Saa` of dried dates or one Saa` of barely. [collected by Bukhari - Arabic/English, vol. 2, p. 339, no. 579]

The head of the household may pay the required amount for the other members. Abu Sa'eed al-Khudree said, "On behalf of our young and old, free men and slaves, we used to take out during Allaah's Messenger's (sallallaahu 'alaihi wa sallam) lifetime one Saa` of grain, cheese or raisins". [collected by Muslim - English transl. vol. 2, p. 469, no. 2155]

3. SIGNIFICANCE The significant role played by Zakaah in the circulation of wealth within the Islamic society is also played by the Sadaqah al-Fitr. However, in the case of Sadaqah al-Fitr, each individual is required to calculate how much charity is due from himself and his dependents and go into the community in order to find those who deserve such charity. Thus, Sadaqah al-Fitr plays a very important role in the development of the bonds of community. The rich are obliged to come in direct contact with the poor, and the poor are put in contact with the extremely poor. This contact between the various levels of society helps to build real bonds of brotherhood and love within the Islamic community and trains those who have, to be generous to those who do not have.

4. PURPOSE The main purpose of Zakaah al-Fitr is to provide those who fasted with the means of making up for their errors during the month of fasting. Zakaah al-Fitr also provides the poor with a means with which they can celebrate the festival of breaking the fast (`Eed al-Fitr) along with the rest of the Muslims.

Ibn Abbaas reported, "The Prophet (sallallaahu 'alaihi wa sallam) made Zakaah al-Fitr compulsory so that those who fasted may be purified of their idle deeds and shameful talk (committed during Ramadaan) and so that the poor may be fed. Whoever gives it before Salaah will have it accepted as Zakaah, while he who gives it after the Salaah has given Sadaqah." [collected by Abu Dawood - Eng. transl. vol. 2, p. 421, no. 1605 - rated Saheeh by Shaikh Naser Al-Albanee]

Hence, the goal of Sadaqah al-Fitr is the spiritual development of the Believers. By making them give up some of their wealth, the believers are taught the higher moral characteristics of generosity, compassion (sympathy for the unfortunate), gratitude to God and the righteousness. But, since Islaam does not neglect man's material need, part of the goal of Zakaah al-Fitr is the economic well-being of the poorer members of society.

5. CONDITIONS Zakaah al-Fitr is only Waajib for a particular period of time. If one misses the time period without a good reason, he has sinned and can not make it up. This form of charity becomes obligatory from sunset on the last day of fasting and remains obligatory until the beginning of Salaah al-'Eed' (i.e. shortly after sunrise on the following day). However, it can be paid prior to the above mentioned period, as many of the Sahaabah (companions of the Prophet(sallallaahu 'alaihi wa sallam) ) used to pay Sadaqah al-Fitr a couple days before the `Eed.

Naafi reported that the Prophet's companion Ibn `Umar used to give it to those who would accept it and the people used to give it a day or two before the `Eed. [collected by al-Bukhaaree - Arabic/English, Vol. 2, p.339, no. 579] Ibn `Umar reported that the Prophet (sallallaahu 'alaihi wa sallam) order that it (Zakaah al-Fitr) be given before people go to make the Salaah (al-'Eed).

And Ibn `Abbaas reported that the Prophet (sallallaahu 'alaihi wa sallam) said, "Whoever gives it before the Salaah will have it accepted as Zakaah, while he who gives it after the Salaah (will not, for it will only be considered as) ordinary charity. Therefore, one who forgets to pay this Zakaah al-Fitr on time should do so as soon as possible even though it will not be counted as Zakaah al-Fitr.

6. RATE The amount of Zakaah is the same for everyone regardless of their different income brackets. The minimum amount is one Saa` (two handfuls ) of food, grain or dried fruit for each member of the family. This calculation is based on Ibn `Umar's report that the Prophet(sallallaahu 'alaihi wa sallam) made Zakaah al-Fitr compulsory and payable by a Saa` of dried dates or a Saa` of barley.

The Sahaabee, Abu Sa`eed al-Khudree said, "In the Prophet's time, we used to give it (Zakaah al-Fitr) as a Saa` of food, dried dates, barley, raisins or dried cheese". [collected by al-Bukhaaree - Arabic/English vol. 2, p. 340, no. 582]

zakat,...

2008-12-03T00:54:00.002-08:00

The term zakah basically means growth or increase. The term, from its root, also come to mean smart, fertile, clear, blessed, praiseworthy, clean etc.

In Islamic jurisprudence, zakat technically means giving a portion of one’s private wealth or asset to deserving members of the community as determined by Allah. In Islamic jurisprudence, zakat technically means giving a portion of one’s private wealth or asset to deserving members of the community as determined by Allah. In other words, it also means the spending of the assets or property.

The term zakat is also used in Al-Quran and Al-Sunnah. Thus, the term zakat are not restricted to the meaning itself because Al-Quran and Al-Sunnah also used the term “sadaqah” to means the same. In Al-Quran Allah has stated:

“Take a portion of the wealth given (zakat) and for that you’ll purify them”.

In hadith, prophet (PBUH) stated:

“In under five “ausuq” one’s will not be charge of alms giving(zakat)”. The term sadaqah is also used in the Qur’an and the Sunnah of the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) to mean the same. Thus, al-Mawardi views that both terms are synonymous. Both are separated in name, united in meaning.

In Arabic, “sadaqah” generally means strengthening something with something. Based on this general meaning, the term connotes some other meanings like being truthful, befriending, dowry, gift and so on. Based on these meanings, few Muslim scholars view that in shari’ah sadaqah basically means consistency between practices and belief.

Nevertheless, whether in Arabic or English, sadaqah is no longer used to mean zakat. It is used to mean only a voluntary gift to the other to get reward from Allah. In other words, zakat means a compulsory gift and sadaqah is while a voluntary gift.

Quoted from:

The Concept and Objective of Zakat in Islam

By Dr. Mahmood Zuhdi Abdul Majid

When Zakat-ul-Fitr is due

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The jurists agree that Zakat-ul-Fitrr is due at the end of Ramadan. They differ, however, about the exact time. Al-Thawri, Ishaq, Malik (in one of two reports), and Al-Shafi`i (in one of his two opinions), are of the opinion that it is due at the sunset of the night of breaking the fast, for this is when the fast of Ramadan ends. However, Al-Layth, the Hanafi school, Al-Shafi`i (in his other opinion), and the second report of Malik say that Zakat-ul-Fitr is due at the start of Fajr (dawn) on the day of `Eid because it is an act of worship connected with `Eid, so the time of its payment should not be before `Eid just as sacrifice on the `Eid of Adha.

These two different views acquire relevance if a baby is born after sunset but before dawn on the day of `Eid; the question then is whether Zakat-ul-Fitr is obligatory for the baby or not. In accordance with the first view, it is not, since the birth took place after the prescribed time, while according to the second view, it is obligatory because the birth took place within the prescribed space of time. http://www.islamonline.net

Who must pay Zakat-ul-Fitr

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Zakat-ul-Fitr is incumbent on every free Muslim who possesses one Sa` of dates or barley which is not needed as basic food for himself or his family for the duration of one day and night. Every free Muslim must pay Zakat-ul-Fitr for himself, his wife, children, and servants. This is the opinion of Imam Malik, Al-Shafi`i, and Ahmad. Imam Abu Hanifah, however, said that it is only obligatory for one who possesses a nisab (a minimum amount of property) after fulfilling the costs of his house, servant, horse, and weapon.

Al-Khattabi explained that Zakat-ul-Fitr was obligatory for all Muslims, not only those who possess the nisab stating that this is the view of the majority of scholars. He said, “In essence, the rationale behind it was stated to be the purification of one who fasts from any indecent act or speech. And since every Muslim needs this, it is therefore obligatory upon every fasting Muslim, whether rich or poor, who possesses one Sa` in excess of his main staple food for the duration of one day and night. This is because so long as the essential rationale is shared by all Muslims, then they also share the same obligation.”

Al-Qaradawi also asserts the majority view when he says, “It is a virtuous wisdom of Islam that it makes this Zakah obligatory not only on the rich, but also upon nearly every Muslim, for you can hardly find a person who does not possess one Sa` of food above his main staple food for the duration of one day and night. The wisdom behind this obligation, therefore, is to prepare the poor to practice benevolence and feel the dignity and honour of giving in charity. Allah described the believers with these words, “Those who spend (freely), whether in prosperity, or in adversity…”[10] Thus if we contemplate on this wisdom, we will not find it strange that the needy pay this Zakah, because it does not cause them to suffer any loss. He will pay only his Zakah and then receive the Zakah of various people.”

Moreover, we have to bear in mind that Zakat-ul-Fitr is obligatory for everyone who lives until the sun sets on the last day of Ramadan. This is the point of view of the Shafi`is, Hanbalis, and Malikis. Accordingly, whoever dies before the sun sets on the last day of Ramadan is exempted. Likewise, a person who has a baby on the last day of Ramadan should pay Zakat-ul-Fitr for the baby. The majority of jurists argue that we should not pay Zakat-ul-Fitr for an embryo. But Imam Ahmad holds that Zakat-ul-Fitr is also obligatory for an embryo, because it is permissible to assign property to an embryo by means of a will.

http://www.islamonline.net

What is Nisab?

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It is the minimum amount of wealth that one must possess before one is obligated to pay Zakah.

OR. It is a measurement that determines the payment of Zakah.

*The Nisab of each kind of wealth is different.

Nisab and debts: One should pay debts before paying Zakah.

If Debts > Nisab - X - do not pay Zakah
If Debts < Nisab - √ - pay Zakah on the difference between wealth and debt.

Example:

1. Wealth: 15,000; debts 11,000 > nisab 10.000 = Don't Pay zakat

2. Wealth: 15,000; debts 3,000 is smaller than debts= pay zakat on (15,000-3000) = 12,000

Note: Once you get the total amount, divide by 40 and you get 2.5%

The Nisab of money is equivalent to the value of 87 grams of gold.

If Zakah becomes due upon you, consider what you have in cash and other assets; then evaluate these assets in terms of money. Total what others owe you and your debts to others and deduct them from the whole amount, and then pay Zakah on what is left.

Zakah must be paid for different kinds of wealth (which reached Nisab); however it’s calculation is variable on different types of wealth:

a. 2.5% due on money, gold and silver, trade, work earnings, profits.

b. 5% due on crops and fruits that are irrigated by tools and equipment (with irrigation costs). c. 10% due on crops and fruits that are irrigated by springs and rain (without irrigation costs). d. 20% due on mineral resources.

Calculating Zakah by multiplying its percentage by the total amount liable to Zakah.

Who is entitled to receive Zakat?

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There are eight groups of people on whom Zakat should be spent, as mentioned in the Quran [Al-Quran 9:60] : 1. Fuqaraa: Those who own property in excess of basic necessities but below the value of Nisab. 2. Masakeen: Persons of extreme poverty who possess no wealth whatsoever. 3. Aamileen: (Zakat collector) Those persons who are appointed by an Islamic Head of State or Government to collect Zakat. It is not necessary that this be a needy person. 4. Muallafatul Quloob: Those poor and needy persons who are given Zakat with the intentions of solidifying their hearts because they maybe recently converted to Islam or to bring them closer to Islam. 5. Ar-Riqaab: slaves whose maters have agreed to set them free on a payment of a fixed amount. Zakat may be used to purchase their freedom. 6. Ibnus-Sabeel: A traveler, who, whilst wealthy at his residence, is stranded and in need of financial assistance. 7. Al Ghaarimeen: A person whose debts exceeds his assets and his net assets (after deducting his liabilities) is below the Nisab limit. To determine whether a person qualifies, his basic necessities of life (house, furniture, clothes, vehicle, etc.) will not be taken into account. It is conditional that the debts were not created for any un-Islamic or sinful purpose. 8. Fi Sabeelillah: Those who are away from home in the path of Allah. Those in Jihaad, those seeking knowledge or a stranded Haji may be assist with Zakat if they are in need.

What Is zakat?

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1) Of the five fundamentals of Islam, Zakat occupies the second position (after the shahada), the first being prayer. This word is derived from the verb ‘Zaka’, which means: ‘It (a plant) grew.’ The second derivative of this word carries the sense of purification, e.g., ‘Qad aflaha man zakkaha (he is indeed successful who purifies himself). Spending the wealth for the sake of Allah purifies the heart of man of the love of material wealth. The man who spends offers that as a humble gift before the Lord and thus affirms the truth that nothing is dearer to him in life than the love of Allah and that he is fully prepared to sacrifice everything for His sake. There is no burden of obligation on one who receives Zakat, but a sense of thankfulness and gratitude on the part of the giver, since has been enabled by the recipient to discharge his obligation that he owes to Allah and society. Zakat is paid on surplus of wealth that is left over after the passage of a year. It is thus a payment on the accumulated wealth. Leaving aside animals and agricultural yield, Zakat is paid at almost a uniform rate of 2 ½%. The minimum standard of surplus wealth over which Zakat is charged is known as ‘Nisab’. It differs with different kinds of property, the most important being nearly 21 OZ in case of silver and 3 OZ in case of gold. The Nisab of cash is the same as that of gold and silver. Twenty percent of buried treasure, i.e. wealth that does not imply exertion of effort in collecting it; as for agricultural crops that require labour to gain, Zakat would be 10% and it is known as `Ushur (tenth). If the land is irrigated by artificial methods, one-twentieth part of the yield is to be paid as Zakat. Should the land producing the yield be in need on constant labour and catering, then the owner is bound to pay one-fortieth of the produce. There is no Zakat on less than five camels, but if the person pays it out of his own sweet will that would be a voluntary act of charity. Upon five camels the Zakat is one goat, provided they subsist upon pasture throughout the year, because Zakat is due only upon such camels as live on pasture and not upon those which are fed in the house with fodder. One goat is due upon any number of camels from five to nine, and two goats on any number from ten to fourteen. There on any number from fourteen to nineteen and four upon any number from twenty to twenty-four and upon any number of camels from twenty-five to thirty-five, the Zakat is a ‘Bint-al-Makhaz’, that is, a camel’s yearling colt. No Zakat is due upon fewer than forty goats and upon forty goats that feed for the greater part of the year upon pasture, there is due, at the expiration of the year, Zakat of one goat. One goat is due on thirty cows. As for horses, no Zakat is due on them in the light of the Holy Prophet’s guidance. The objects and persons on whom Zakat is to be spent are included in the following verse: "The alms are only for the poor and the needy, and for those employed in connection therewith, and for those whose hearts are to be reconciled, and for the (freeing of) slaves, and for those in debt, and for the cause of Allah, and for the wayfarer – an ordinance from Allah. And Allah is All-Knowing, Wise." [9:60] 2) After Salah, comes Zakah, which in its broadest sense includes any act of service to other men. Being good to others is the fruit and therefore the proof of the tree of faith. He is not truthful who harms men and yet claims to believe in and love God. Acquisition of wealth for its own sake or so taht it may increase the worth of its collector is condemned. Mere acquisition of wealth counts nothing in the sight of God. It does not give man any merit whether here or in the hereafter. People should acquire wealth with the intention of spending it on their own needs, and the needs of others. 'Man', said the Prophet, 'says: My wealth! My wealth!" Have you not any wealth except that which you wear and tear, eat and consume, give as alms and thus preserve?' 3) This is a very important matter. It relates to one of the pillars of Islam. Allah describes the taking of zakat in the following manner. "Take alms from their wealth in order to purify them and sanctify them with it." [Soorah at-Tauba 103] [Zakat] is one of the foundations of Islam. If the foundation is weak, then this weak foundation will have ramifications for other aspects of our lives. Today, how many Muslims in the world honestly, sincerely and properly pay zakat to purify their wealth and to help their Muslim brethren. Since we are missing lacking or very weak in that foundation, is it any surprise that: So many Muslims are starving and in need today. So much Muslim wealth is wasted on luxury. So much Muslim wealth is spent on forbidden items. So little Muslim wealth is spent on jihad and sacrificing for the sake of Allah. The Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) was ordered to fight the people until they made the shahada, established prayer and paid zakat. Abu Bakr continued that teaching after him. What does that mean for us today? Does that mean that if they were alive today, we would be from those who wouled be fighting alonside them or would we be from those whom they would be fighting? Let us make sure that we pay the zakat and fulfill all of the other pillars of Islam correctly and sincerely for Allah's sake, so that our Islam as a whole will be strong and Allah will be pleased with us. 4) God Most High said: They were enjoined only to worship God, sincere in their faith in Him alone - and of upright religion - and to establish the Salat and the Zakat. Such is the upright religion, [98:5] and: Those who lay up treasures of gold and silver and spend them not in the way of God; give them the news of a painful punishment, on the Day when that [wealth] will be heated in hellfire, and their foreheads and their sides and their backs branded therewith: "This is the treasure which you laid up for yourselves! Taste, then, your hoarded treasure!" [9:34-35] and: Let not those who are miserly with what God has given them of His bounty think that this is good for them. Rather, it is bad for them. That which they withhold shall be hung around their necks on the Day of Arising. [3:180] Bukhari and Muslim relate on the authority of Ibn `Abbas (radiyallahu `anhu) that the Messenger of God (sallallahu `alayhi wa sallam) sent Mu`adh to the Yemen he told him, "You are going to a people who have a Scripture, so call them to testify that there is no deity but God, and that I am the Messenger of God. If they respond to this, then teach them that God has imposed five Salats upon them in every day. If they respond to this, then teach them that God has imposed upon them a charity to be taken from the wealthy amongst them and given to their poor. If they respond to this, then beware of taking any more of their wealth! Beware also of the prayer of the oppressed, for there is no veil between such a prayer and God." Bukhari relates on the authority of Abu Hurayra that the Prophet (sallallahu `alayhi wa sallam) said, "Whoever is given wealth by God and does not pay the Zakat due thereupon shall find that on the Day of Arising it is made to appear to him as a hairless snake with two black specks, which chains him, and then seizes him by his jaw and says, 'I am your wealth! I am your treasure!'" Then he recited the verse, 'Let not those who are miserly with what God has given them of His bounty think that this is good for them. Rather, it is bad for them. That which they withhold shall be hung around their necks on the Day of Arising.' [3:180] 5) As-Siddeeq, radiyallaahu `anhu, Fighting Those Who Refused to Pay the Zakaah and the Apostates Despite the Difficult Conditions When the issue of fighting those who refused to pay the Zakaah took place, we see this true devotee, radiyallaahu `anhu, express his sincere determination and firm resolution by saying: By Allaah, if they refuse to pay me (even) a bridle which they used to pay the Messenger of Allaah, sallallaahu `alayhi wa sallam, then I will fight them because of their refusal. [Muslim 1/52] Then, when as-Siddeeq, radiyallaahu `anhu, heard about the intentions of some of those apostate tribes to attack al-Madeenah al-Munawwarah, he left for them in person brandishing his sword. As-Siddeeqah `Aa’ishah, the Mother of the Believers, radiyallaahu `anhu, said: My father left, brandishing his sword, mounted on his steed for Dhi il-Qissah. (A place 24 miles away from al-Madeenah and its on the way to ar-Rubdah.) [al-Bidaayah wan-Nihaayah 6/355]. When he was asked to remain in al-Madeenah and send someone who would represent him, he refused by saying: No, by Allaah, I will not send someone else. I will give comfort to you (i.e. support you) myself. [Tareekh at-Tabaree 3/247. See also: Al-Kaamil fi at-Taareekh, by Ibn ul-Atheer 2/233, and al-Bidaayah wan-Nihaayah 6/355.] |How could this true devotee sit when he could see that the Religion which al-Habeeb, al-Kareem, sallallaahu `alayhi wa sallam, came with was calling him to act? How could he not go when he heard the illustrious Sharee`ah, which Allaah had revealed to His beloved, al-Mustafaa, sallallaahu `alayhi wa sallam, calling upon him to fight, and to make it victorious? Where are we in regard to this? Do we not see that this Religion of Truth, calls for our help, in the east and west? Do we not hear the cries of the Islaamic Sharee`ah calling to us from the corners of the world, near and far? So is there anyone who will answer its call? Is it not feared that some of us, despite our love for the Noble Prophet, sallallaahu `alayhi wa sallam, have become from among those whom Allaah mentioned: They have hearts wherewith they understand not, they have eyes wherewith they see not, they have ears wherewith they hear not (the truth). They are like cattle, nay even more astray; Those! They are the heedless ones. [Soorah Al-A`raaf:179]

Zakat-ul-Fitr

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It Ruling Zakat-ul-Fitr is a Sunnah that is obligatory upon every individual Muslim. This is due to Ibn ‘Umar’s statement, may Allah be pleased with him: “The Messenger of Allah made Zakat-ul-Fitr obligatory during Ramadhan as one Sa’ of dried dates or one Sa’ of barley upon the slave and the free man, the male and the female, and the young and the old of the Muslims.” (Al-Bukhari and Muslim) Its Wisdom From the wisdom of Zakat-ul-Fitr is that it purifies the fasting soul from the effects of useless, non-beneficial speech (or acts) and obscene speech (or behavior). Likewise, it keeps the poor and needy people from having to beg on the day of ‘Eid. Ibn ‘Abbas, may Allah be pleased with him, said: “The Messenger of Allah made Zakat-ul-Fitr obligatory as a purification for the fasting person from useless, non-beneficial speech (or acts) and obscene speech (or behavior), and as a means of feeding the poor.” (Abu Dawud and Ibn Majah, and it was graded Sahih by Al-Hakim). [1] The Prophet saws also said: Keep them (the poor) from having to beg on this day. (Al-Bayhaqi - and its chain of narration is weak) The Amount and Type of Food The amount of Zakat-ul-Fitr is a Sa' and a Sa’ is four Amdad (cupped handfuls). It is given from the usual staple foods of the people of the land, whether it is wheat, or barley, or dried dates, or rice, or raisins or cheese. This is due to the statement of Abu Sa’id (may Allah be pleased with him): “When the Messenger of Allah was among us, we used to give Zakat-ul-Fitr on behalf of every person, young and old, free or owned (i.e. a slave), as a Sa’ of Ta’am, [2]or a Sa’ of cheese (dried milk) or a Sa’ of barley or a Sa’ of dried dates, or a Sa’ of raisins.” (Al-Bukhari and Muslim) It is Only given from items of Food It is obligatory that Zakat-ul-Fitr be given from the types of food. Money should not be given in place of it, except if there is a pressing need to do so. This is because it is not confirmed that the Prophet gave money for it in place of food. It has not even been reported from the Companions that they gave money (for Zakat-ul-Fitr). Its Time Zakat-ul-Fitr becomes obligatory with the coming of the night of the ‘Eid (i.e. the night before the 1st of Shawwal). It is to be paid a day or two before the day of the 'Eid, as Ibn ‘Umar used to do, and the time of giving generosity, which is from the time Fajr comes in on the day of the ‘Eid until just before the prayer (Salat-ul-’Eid). This is due to the Prophet’s saws command that Zakat-ul-Fitr be given before the people come out to the prayer. Ibn ‘Abbas, may Allah be pleased with him, said: “The Messenger of Allah made Zakat-ul-Fitr obligatory as a purification for the fasting person from useless, non-beneficial speech (or acts) and obscene speech (or behavior), and as a means of feeding the poor. So whoever gives it before the prayer (Salat-ul-’Eid), then it is an accepted Zakah, and whoever gives it after the prayer (Salat-ul-’Eid), then it is a form of charity (Sadaqah).” (It has been mentioned previously.) The time of making it up (i.e. paying it late) is after the ‘Eid prayer and anytime thereafter. Zakat-ul-Fitr may be given during this time (following the prayer) and it is acceptable, however it is disliked (to give it late). Its Recipients The recipients of Zakat-ul-Fitr are the same as the recipients of the general Zakat, except that the poor and the needy have more right to it than the other people who have a share in it. This is based upon the Prophet’s statement: Keep them from having to beg on this day. (Al-Bayhaqi and its chain of narration is weak) Therefore, it is not given to other than the poor, unless there are no poor people or their poverty is light (i.e. not severe) or the need of others besides them, who have a share in it, has become severe. Important Notes: 1. It is permissible for a wealthy woman to pay her Zakah to her husband, who is poor, however the opposite is not permissible. This is because the maintenance of the woman is obligatory upon the man and the maintenance of the man is not obligatory upon the woman. 2. Zakat-ul-Fitr is not required from one who does not possess a day’s worth of food, as Allah does not burden a soul except with what it can bear. 3. Whoever possesses more than a day’s worth of food and he gives it (as his Zakat-ul-Fitr), this will suffice him. This is due to Allah’s statement: So fear Allah as much as you are able. (64:16) 4. It is permissible to give the charity of an individual to a number of people, distributing it among them, and it is permissible to give the charity of a number of individuals to one individual, as the giving of charity is mentioned in the Shari’ah in unrestricted terms. 5. The Zakat-ul-Fitr is obligatory upon the Muslim in the land in which he resides. 6. It is not permissible to transfer Zakat-ul-Fitr from one land to another, except if there is a pressing need. Its Situation is the same as Zakah. Footnotes [1] The remainder of it states: “So whoever gives it before the prayer (Salat-ul-’Eid), then it is an accepted Zakah, and whoever gives it after the prayer (Salat-ul-’Eid), then it is charity (Sadaqah) from the charities.” [2] The meaning of Ta’am is millet or corn.

General Zakat definition

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zakat (zə-kät`) [Arab.,=purification], Islamic religious tax, one of the five basic requirements (arkan or "pillars") of Islam. All adult Muslims of sound mind and body with a set level of income and assets are expected to pay zakat. Zakat is due yearly on certain types of property and is distributed to eight categories of individuals specified by the Qur'an. These categories are usually defined to include orphans, the poor, travelers, beggars, debtors, slaves, and the efforts to propagate Islam. Zakat is payable, at different rates, on crops, harvests, herds, gold and silver, and merchandise. For gold and silver, which is understood to include all liquid assets, the rate is 2.5%. Being religiously prescribed, zakat is distinct from charity (sadaqa) which is voluntary. Zakat is essentially a personal exercise with no intermediary control, and could be given directly to its recipients, although a central treasury often collects it. In recent times, Pakistan, Sudan, and Saudi Arabia have enacted legislation to enforce the zakat.