- Zakatul Fitr is a charity that becomes obligatory when the crescent for the month of Shawwal is sighted, upon those who can afford it (those who have sufficient means to fulfil their needs on the Day of Eid). The Prophet (PBUH) said, “Zakatul Fitr purifies the sins of a person who has fasted, and is a sustenance for the poor.”
- The time for Zakathul Fitr commences upon the sighting of the Shawwaal crescent.
- It is Sunnah, to offer it prior to the performance of Eid Prayer.
- It is Makrooh, to delay it to be offered after the Eid Prayer.
- It is Haraam, to delay it until after (the time of sun set) on the day of Eid.
- The practice of offering Zakathul Fitr after the sighting of the crescent for Ramadaan is also permissible.
- Although it is permissible to give the equivalent monetary value according to the Hanafi Mad’hab, the opinion of the majority of Scholars like Imam Malik, Imam Shafi and Imam Ahmed (Rahmatullahi Alaihim) should be followed which is to offer the staple food that is consumed in general.
- The amount of one ‘Saa’, i.e 2.4 Kilogram, is payable as Zakatul Fitr by every individual upon whom it is obligatory, to those who are eligible to receive Zakath.
May Almighty Allah help us in fulfilling the obligation of Zakathul Fitr in the appropriate manner.
Ash Shaikh M.S.M. Thassim
(Acting) General Secretary – ACJU
Ash Shaikh M.L.M. Ilyas
Secretary – ACJU Fatwa Division
