🌙 Zakat al-Fitr and Zakat🌙
A Time to Give Generously
Zakat al-Fitr & Zakat
Zakat al-Fitr, also known as Sadaqat al-Fitr, is a charitable contribution in Islam. It holds significant importance during the month of Ramadan. The history and guidelines for Zakat al-Fitr can be traced back to the teachings of Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him).
Who owes it? Zakat al-Fitr is obligatory upon every Muslim, regardless of age or gender, who possesses the means to pay it. It is usually paid on behalf of oneself and dependent family members (head of household).
How much is it? The amount of Zakat al-Fitr traditionally corresponds to the value of a specific amount of food, often measured in staple grains like wheat, barley, dates, or raisins. This amount is equivalent to approximately one sa' (a unit of volume) of the staple food in the local market. In contemporary times, the equivalent monetary value of this quantity is determined and recommended by scholars; this year, it is $15 per household member.
When it is due: Zakat al-Fitr becomes obligatory at the sunset of the last day of Ramadan, before the Eid prayer. It must be paid before offering the Eid prayer. Delaying it beyond this time is considered blameworthy. It is highly recommended that you pay it as soon as possible to distribute it to those in need before Eid.Â
Why modern scholars recommend monetary payment: While the traditional payment of Zakat al-Fitr was in the form of staple grains, modern scholars often recommend monetary payments instead. This shift is due to several reasons:
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Accessibility: In modern times, it is often more convenient for people to pay in monetary form rather than finding and distributing grains.
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Efficiency: Monetary payments can reach beneficiaries more efficiently and can be used to address a wider range of needs, including food, shelter, clothing, and education.
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Economic changes: With the evolution of economies, the use of grains as a measure of wealth has become less relevant, making monetary payments a more practical option.
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Flexibility: Monetary payments allow for greater flexibility in addressing the diverse needs of recipients, especially in regions where staple grains may not be the primary dietary staple or need.
The difference between Zakat and Zakat al-Fitr lies primarily in their purpose, timing, and scope:
- Zakat (also known as Zakat al Mul): Zakat is one of the Five Pillars of Islam, a mandatory charitable giving that is incumbent upon eligible Muslims who possess wealth above a certain threshold (nisab) for a lunar year. It is calculated as a percentage (often 2.5%) of one's accumulated wealth and assets, excluding necessities like personal residence and basic transportation. Zakat is not tied to any specific time of the year and can be given at any time once the wealth reaches the nisab threshold.
- Gold: The nisab by the gold standard is 3 ounces of gold (87.48 grams) or its cash equivalent. This is approximately $6,070 for gold as of 7 March 2024, but will vary with the market value of gold.
- Silver: The nisab by the silver standard is 21 ounces of silver (612.36 grams) or its equivalent in cash. This is approximately $478 as of 7 March 2024.
- Federal Poverty Level (FPL)
Family size 2023 income numbers
For individuals $14,580
For a family of 2 $19,720
For a family of 3 $24,860
For a family of 4 $30,000
For a family of 5 $35,140
For a family of 6 $40,280
For a family of 7 $45,420
For a family of 8 $50,560
For a family of 9+ add $ 5,140 for each extra person
- Zakat al-Fitr: Zakat al-Fitr, on the other hand, is a form of obligatory charity specific to the month of Ramadan. It is meant to purify the fasting person from any indecent act or speech and to help those in need celebrate Eid with joy. Unlike Zakat, Zakat al-Fitr is not based on accumulated wealth but is a fixed obligation per person in a household, $15 per person in a household. Its primary purpose is to provide immediate assistance to the needy, ensuring they can also enjoy the festivities of Eid.
Both Zakat and Zakat al-Fitr are rooted in Islamic teachings found in the Quran and Hadith:
- Quran: The obligation of Zakat is mentioned in several verses of the Quran, such as in Surah Al-Baqarah (2:267-273) and Surah At-Tawbah (9:60), emphasizing the importance of charity and the purification of wealth.Â
- Hadith: The practice of Zakat, including Zakat al-Fitr, is extensively mentioned in the Hadith literature. Among other collections, narratives from Sahih Bukhari and Sahih Muslim provide detailed guidance on the obligation, calculation, and distribution of Zakat and Zakat al-Fitr.
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