Sadaqat-ul-Fitr
Q. What is Sadaqat-ul-Fitr?
A. Fitr means to break the fast, or not to keep fast. Allâh has fixed a sadaqah (charity) over His servants: After the completion of Ramadaan and on the rejoicing of breaking the fast, this charity should be paid as a mark of gratitude. This is called Sadaqat-ul-Fitr. The ‘Eid that comes after Ramadaan is called ‘Eid-ul-Fitr, as it is the day of rejoicing over the completion of the fast.
Q. On what persons is Sadaqat-ul-Fitr waajib?
A. Sadaqat-ul-Fitr is waajib on every free Muslim when he or she owns property to the amount of nisaab.
Q. Is that the same nisaab as that of zakaah or something else?
A. The nisaab of zakaah and nisaab of Sadaqat-ul-Fitr are the same. But for Sadaqat-ul-Fitr, all possessions are counted, and the passing of one year is not necessary. Extra clothes, utensils, property, or goods exceeding personal needs count toward the nisaab.
Q. On whose behalf is the payment of Sadaqat-ul-Fitr waajib?
A. It is waajib for every person who holds nisaab. One should pay for oneself and minor children. If minors have their own property, it should be paid from that.
Q. Is it waajib only on those who kept fast?
A. No, it is waajib on every individual with nisaab, whether they kept the fast or not.
Q. What is the time of Sadaqat-ul-Fitr being waajib?
A. It becomes waajib on ‘Eid day, just after Subh Saadiq. No Sadaqat-ul-Fitr is due from a deceased person before Subh Saadiq. Children born before this time require payment on their behalf.
Q. Is it allowed to pay Sadaqat-ul-Fitr before ‘Eid?
A. Yes, it is allowed during Ramadaan. Best time is before going to the ‘Eid prayers, but paying after is also acceptable.
Q. What things and quantities must be paid for Sadaqat-ul-Fitr?
A. All kinds of foodgrains or their equivalent price may be paid. Wheat or flour: 3½ lbs/person; barley or flour: 7 lbs/person. Other grains: equivalent price of wheat or barley. Cash may also be given equal to the price.
Q. Can Sadaqat-ul-Fitr of one person be distributed to many poor people?
A. Yes, it is allowed to give to many poor people, or Sadaqat-ul-Fitr of many people can be given to one poor person.
Q. To whom should Sadaqat-ul-Fitr be given?
A. It should be given to those persons eligible for zakaah. Those with nisaab cannot take Sadaqat-ul-Fitr or zakaah.