Sadaqah al-fitr Reminder

What is the definition of sadaqah al-fitr?

Sadaqah in the Arabic language is the word for charity and fitr the term for breaking fast, hence this is a form of charity which is given at the end of the blessed month of Ramadhan to mark the festival of ‘Id al-fitr. This type of charity is also referred to as zakah al-fitr in many ahadith.

What is the purpose of sadaqah al-fitr?

There are two main objectives behind discharging this form of charity, one spiritual and one economical. The spiritual purpose is for a person to spend in the path of Allah as an expiation for ones errors and deficiencies in the month of fasting. The economical purpose is for a Muslim to spend on the less fortunate to provide them with a means to partake in the celebration of ‘Id.

"The Messenger (peace and blessing be upon him) made zakah al-Fitr compulsory so that those who fasted may be purified of their idle deeds and shameful talk (committed during Ramadhan), and so that the poor may be fed. Whoever gives it before salah (of ‘Id) will have it accepted as zakah, while he who gives it after the salah (of ‘Id) has given sadaqah." [Sunan of Imam Abu Dawud]

How much is sadaqah al-fitr?

The prescribed amount of Sadaqah al-fitr is 1.75 Kilograms of wheat or its value in money.

Who is obliged to pay sadaqah al fitr?

Sadaqah al-fitr is an obligation for every Muslim, male or female, who owns 613.35 grams of silver or its equivalent, either in the form of money, ornaments, stock-in-trade, or in the form of some goods or commodities beyond one's normal needs.

When is it best to discharge this obligation?

Though this sadaqah only becomes on obligation on the day of ‘Id (i.e from the maghrib salah of the last day of ramadhan till the ‘Id salah), it is best to give this charity in advance before the salah of ‘Id. The reason for this (especially in today’s era), is that a Muslim is giving this charity for another less fortunate Muslim to partake in the ‘Id celebration. This can only reach a needy Muslim if the charity is given in advance. Nevertheless, if a Muslim has still not given the sadaqah al-fitr, if he pays it on the morning before the ‘Id salah it will still be classified as paid in advance.

There are many charitable organisations that endeavour to distribute sadaqah al-fitr donations in time for it to reach the needy Muslims in time for ‘Id. This is in keeping with the spirit and the purpose of sadaqah al-fitr.

For further information read:

http://www.albalagh.net/general/shawwal.shtml#Sadaqat

http://qa.sunnipath.com/issue_view.asp?id=2713

http://www.askimam.org/fatwa/fatwa.p...f6a66c969baca8

9th September 2010

Bint Ahmad (Madrasah Al Zahra, London)