ZAKAT EL FITR

We consider the Zakat, at Anjum Hotel Makkah, as a generous practice of Islam where it connects the rich with the poor, and the poor with the poorer, thus eliminating poverty and reducing the disparity gap between the rich and the poor. This form of charity ensures no poor person goes hungry during Ramadan and more importantly increases our belief towards Allah (SWT).

Zakat Al-Fitr known as Sadaqah Al-Fitr, is an obligation upon every Muslims that has to be completed before the Eid Ul-Fitr prayer. This Zakat is established mainly to cleanse a Muslim individual from any shortcomings or mischief conducted during the month of Ramadan. Additionally, Zakat Al-Fitr is given to the poor and needy at the end Ramadan, mainly to celebrate the upcoming Eid with happiness!

The following hadith proves that Zakat Al-Fitr is not just a lending hand to the poor and needy but rather a favour we do to ourselves to remove any sins we have committed during Ramadan.

Ibn ’Abbas (RAA) narrated, “The Messenger of Allah (Peace be Upon Him) enjoined Zakat ul-fitr on the one who fasts (i.e. fasted during the month of Ramadan) to purify him from any indecent act or speech and for the purpose of providing food for the needy. It is accepted as Zakah for the person who pays it before the Eid prayer and it is Sadaqah (i.e. voluntary charity) for the person who pays it after the Eid prayer.” (Abu Dawud)

Who Should Pay Zakat Al-Fitr?

Zakat Al-Fitr is an obligation upon every Muslim, grown-up or a child regardless of the gender, as long as they have what is sufficient to feed them for a day or longer. The head of the family pays for every single member of the family.

Who Receives It?

It is essential to give Zakat Al-Fitr to those who are eligible to receive it. The recipients consist of the following eight group mentioned in Surah al-Tawba, verse 60: The poor, the needy, collectors of zakat, those whose hearts are to be reconciled, slaves, captives, debtors, travelers and people in their cause of Allah (SWT).

When Should You Pay?

You can start giving Zakat Al-Fitr in the last few days of Ramadan and it must be completed before the Eid Ul-Fitr prayers are conducted; failing to do so invalidates your Zakat. The Prophet (PBUH) said: “Whoever gives it before the prayer, it is accepted zakaah, and whoever gives it after the prayer, it is a kind of charity.” (Abu Dawood).

What Can You Pay?

In al-Saheehayn it is narrated that Abu Sa’eed al-Khudri (may Allah be pleased with him) said: “At the time of the Messenger of Allah (PBUH), we used to give it at a rate of one saa’ of food, or one saa’ of dates, or one saa’ of barley, or one saa’ of cheese, or one saa’ of raisins…”

A number of scholars interpret that the word food here refers to local staple food, whilst others suggest it to be wheat. As the whole intention of Zakat Al-Fitr is to help the poor, it is encouraged to pay in the form of local staple food of the region/country.

Can the Payment of Zakat al-Fitr Be More than the Minimum?

Yes. In fact, one is encouraged to pay more than the minimum Zakat al-Fitr required, if one is able. “Ali, God be pleased with him, reportedly said that ‘when Allah gives you prosperity, you too should give more” (see Zad Al-Ma‘ad, also Fiqh az-Zakat, 586).

People across the world living in dire conditions are relying on your support. At Anjum Hotel Makkah, we have provided 100,000 meals for people in need, so they can enjoy a filling meal for their Eid just as they deserve. Don’t let the needy down, donate your Zakat and feel amazing this Eid.