Alternative i‘tikāf* [[--6th Outing--]]

 *Alternative i‘tikāf*

[[--6th Outing--]]
------------------

Pay Your Zakatul-Fitr

بسم الله الرحمن الرحيم

Ibn ’Abbas (ra) narrated, ‘The Messenger of Allah (pbuh) enjoined Zakat ul-fitr on the one who fasts (i.e. fasted during the month of Ramadan) to purify him from any indecent act or speech and for the purpose of providing food for the needy. It is accepted as Zakah for the person who pays it before the Eid prayer and it is Sadaqah (i.e. voluntary charity) for the person who pays it after the Eid prayer.’ 📚 (Abu Dawud)

Now,

*When should zakatul fitr be paid?*

Zakatul-Fitr is only Wajib (Compulsory) for a particular period of time.

Evidence:

Ibn Abbas reported that: “The Prophet (pbuh) made Zakatul-Fitr compulsory so that those who fasted may be purified of their idle deeds and shameful talk (committed during Ramadan) and so that the poor may be fed. Whoever gives it before Salah (Eid Prayer) will have it accepted as Zakah, while he who gives it after the Salah has given Sadaqat.” 📚[Collected by Abu Dawud

So,

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 Salatul-Eid (i.e. shortly after sunrise on the following day).

However,

It can be paid prior to the above mentioned period, as many of the Sahabah (Companions of the Prophet) used to pay Sadaqatul-Fitr a couple days before the Eid.

“The Prophet (pbuh) order that it (Zakatul-Fitr) be given before people go to make the Salah (of Eid).”

Nafi’u transmitted that: *“Ibn Umar used to pay Zakatul-fitr a day or two before the Eid prayer.”* 📚 [Bukhari, Muslim and Abu Dawud]

*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 1:* Giving money instead of food

Although some scholars have allowed giving money instead of food, but the spirit of Zakat Al-Fitr is to give food to the needy of the community, NOT money.

Muslim Faithful,

Not giving money for Zakatul-Fitr is as Sunnah at-Turkiyyah (an action, the abandonment of which is a Prophetic Sunnah). Money existed and was prevalent in the Prophet’s time but he did not nor did the Companions or Tabi’in (followers of the Companions) use any money for Zakatul-Fitr.

So,

If he (Peace be upon him) and the (Companions and Tabi’in) did not use money for Sadaqatul-Fitr why should any one else?

*Error No 2:* Not paying

Yes, as simple as this error 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 x 8, even if the youngest member is just a few days old.

*Error No 3:* 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 ones money – and that could be due any time during the year depending on when it was due.

To be continued...