Zakat al-Fitr signifies an obligation to cleanse and share in the Eid celebrations with the less fortunate members of society at the end of Ramadan.
Zakat al-Fitr and Iftar have the same meaning. Similarly, Zakat al-Fitr, like Iftar, refers to the charity given at the conclusion of Ramadan’s last fast.
The Prophet of Allah (Pbuh) said, “The fasting of the month of Ramadan will hang between earth and heaven, and it will not ascend to the divine presence without the payment of Zakat al-Fitr.”
What is the purpose of Zakat al-Fitr?
Zakat al-Fitr is intended to purify one’s fast from any indecent acts or speech committed during Ramadan’s observance, and to assist the poor and needy in society, enabling them to partake in Eid celebrations.
Is Zakat al-Fitr obligatory for all Muslims?
Yes. Every Muslim is obligated to give out Zakat al-Fitr.
In the words of Abu Hurairah (RA), “it is due to every Muslim, free or bondsman, male or female, young or old, poor or rich” (Bukhari). The vast majority of scholars hold that Zakat al-Fitr falls due for every single Muslim, with no exception.
The acceptance of the Muslim’s fast is closely connected to giving out this important act.
It equals the cost of one meal and must be delivered to the recipient in need before the Eid prayers.
It can be given directly to needy individuals in advance. Alternatively, it can be channelled through a trustworthy Islamic organization tasked with collecting funds from Muslims, purchasing grains, and distributing them to the needy in society.
Zakat al-Fitr calculator
The calculation of Zakat is equivalent to the cost of approximately 2.5 to 3 kilograms of the local staple food. The foods that are mentioned in the sunnah are six; they include dates, wheat, oats, flour, rice and lentils.
Zakat al-Fitr in Kenya
Zakat al-Fitr in Kenya is often given in the form of rice.
One ought to give according to the quality of grain that their household consumes. If one’s household consumes pearl pishori rice which retails at Ksh 330 per Kg, then one has to give Zakat al-Fitr equivalent to that amount and quality totally to Ksh 990 per every member in their household.
If another household consumes rice of a different quality retailing at Ksh 100, then the individual should give the grain equivalent of Ksh 300 as Zakat al-Fitr for every member of their household.
Giving Zakat on behalf of every dependent member of one’s family is obligatory. It is typically done by those in charge of the financial welfare of their family, acting on behalf of their dependents.
Zakat al-Fitr should be paid at daybreak on the day of Eid al-Fitr.
It is reported that the Prophet Muhammad (Pbuh) used to instruct that Zakat al-Fitr be paid before people went out to the place of prayer. This was considered a recommendation, not an obligation.
It is worth noting that Zakat al-Fitr offered after Eid prayers will not be accepted as Zakat, but only as charity.
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