Understanding Zakat al-Fitr, Zakat al-Mal, and Fidya – Key Insights During the Blessed Month of Ramadan

Business Islamic Center of Southern California (ICSC)

4 months ago

more details enclosed.

Peace & Blessing,

We hope that the first half of this blessed month of Ramadan has provided you with ample time for reflection, gratitude, and a deepening commitment to acts of worship and charity, as you strive to draw closer to Allah.

This is beautifully emphasized in the Qur'an, where Allah says:

And establish prayer and give zakat, and whatever good you put forward for yourselvesyou will find it with Allah; surely Allah sees what you do. (Qur'an 2:110)

Some important aspects of our charitable duties and responsibilities, during this sacred month, include Zakat al-Fitr, Zakat al-Mal, and Fidya.

What is Zalat al-Fitr, Zakat al-Mal, and Fidya?

Zakat al-Fitr: A Purification for Fasting

Zakat al-Fitr is an obligatory charity that every Muslim must pay before the end of Ramadan, usually before the Eid prayer. This form of zakat purifies the fast of any mistakes or shortcomings and ensures that those in need can partake in the joy of Eid.

Who should pay? Every adult Muslim who possesses the minimum required amount of wealth.
How much? This year it's $25/person.
Deadline: Zakat al-Fitr must be paid before the Eid prayer.

Pay Zakat Al-Fitr ($25/Person)

Zakat al-Mal: A Duty for Those with Savings

Zakat al-Mal, or wealth zakat, is the obligatory almsgiving that must be paid on accumulated wealth after one full lunar year. It is calculated at 2.5% of your total savings, investments, and assets above the nisab (the minimum threshold for zakat).

Who should pay? Every Muslim who meets the nisab threshold and has had savings for one lunar year.
What is zakatable? It includes cash, gold, silver, stocks, business inventory, and other wealth.
When to pay? Zakat al-Mal is typically paid once a year, but the timing can be based on when your wealth reaches the nisab and completes a lunar year.

Pay Zakat Al-Mal

Fidya: Making Up for Missed Fasting

If someone is unable to fast during Ramadan and cannot make up the fast later, they are required to pay fidya, which is usually the cost of feeding one poor person for each missed day of fasting. However, if an individual falls into the qualifying category of someone who should pay Fidya, and they themselves are needy or are not financially capable of paying the Fidya amount, then he/she is exempt from paying Fidya to compensate for their missed fasts.

Who needs to pay fidya? Those who cannot fast due to chronic illness or old age and cannot make up the fast later and are financially capable.
How much? The fidya amount this year is $25/missed day of fasting.

Pay Fidya

May this Ramadan bring peace, blessings, and prosperity to you and your loved ones.

Warm regards,
ICSC Religious Committee

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