Alternative i‘tikāf* [[--- 7th Outing ---]]

 *Alternative i‘tikāf*

[[--- 7th Outing ---]]
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*Continuation of Zakatul-Fitr Payment*

بسم الله الرحمن الرحيم

Zakat Al-Fitr is an obligation upon every Muslims that has to be completed in the assigned time. This is a generous practice of Islam where it connects the rich with the poor, and the poor with the poorer, thus eliminating poverty and reducing the disparity gap between the rich and the poor. This form of charity ensures no poor person goes hungry during Ramadan and more importantly increases our iman towards Allah (swt).

Now,

*Basic Errors Muslims are making with Zakat Al-Fitr:*

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

*Error No 4:* 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. So, if someone goes to Eid prayer and pays then it is GUARANTEED that the money will NOT arrive on time. And thus the person paying is sinful for having missed the payment of Zakat al-Fitr. May Allah forgive us.

*Error No 5:* Giving one’s Zakah al-Fitr to a charitable building project

Some people mistakenly give their Zakah Al-Fitr to a charitable building project: like the building of a Masjid, or Islamic school.  There is a difference of opinion on this issue, but suffice it to say that the spirit of Zakah Al-Fitr is that the needy should have plentiful food on Eid.
All eight types of recipients of Zakah mentioned in the Quran are HUMANS, not “building projects”.

*Error No 6:* Giving Zakat ul-Fitr to non-Muslims

Charity is given to both Non-Muslims and Muslims. However, Zakah al-Fitr charity is something exclusive to the MUSLIM poor and needy. Hence, one could not give Zakah Al-Fitr to any needy person on the street. “Regular” charity can be given to them, but not Zakah Al-Fitr.

*Error No 7:* Delaying distribution

You can take your zakatul fitr to any masjid you know they help in distributing it the recipients and they don't delay the distribution. Yes. Sometimes Masjids might collect Zakah Al-Fitr money and then put it in a bank. It doesn’t reach the needy for months and months. The correct method is to give Zakah Al-Fitr immediately when it is due.

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