The Practising Muslim · Fiqh of Zakah
Examine specifics of payment timing and recipients for Zakat al-Fitr.
6 questions · Medium · about 3 minutes
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6 questions, about 3 minutes.
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Zakat al-fitr should be given as staple food that can be measured and stored, such as raw grains or other staple foods. Spoiled food is not acceptable. Cooked rice is also not acceptable as zakat al-fitr; rice should be given uncooked.
Why
Zakat al-fitr is meant to provide food for the poor on Eid. The source states that it should be given from the usual staple food of the people. Dates, barley, raisins, and dried yoghurt were given because they were staple foods at that time and place, not because only those items are valid everywhere.
Why
The correct view cited is that zakat al-fitr should be given from the staple food of the local people. If the staple food in a place is meat, then giving meat is acceptable. The aim is to meet the needs of the poor on Eid with the food normally eaten by the people.
Why
Zakah on wealth is one of the five pillars of Islam and applies to specific kinds of wealth when their conditions are met. Zakat al-fitr is a separate obligation paid at the end of Ramadan. It is obligatory, but it is not one of the five pillars of Islam.
Why
Zakat al-fitr is obligatory upon every Muslim, young or old, if they have the means. If an orphan has wealth, it is paid from the orphan’s wealth. A voluntary sponsor is not obligated to pay it, though doing so voluntarily is acceptable. If the orphan has no wealth, it is paid by the relative who is Islamically obligated to spend on the orphan.
Why
Zakat al-fitr is required for Muslims. A husband may be obligated to spend on a non-Muslim wife, but he is not obligated to pay zakat al-fitr on her behalf because the obligation applies to Muslims.
These questions are for learning and self-testing. Explanations are drawn from the sources linked on each question and are not a fatwa. For a ruling on your own circumstances, please consult a qualified scholar.
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