How to Calculate Zakat Al Fitr?
As Ramadan approaches, Muslims worldwide prepare for the Islamic charity practice of Zakat al-Fitr and
Sadaqatul Fitr. As a form of charitable giving, zakat al-Fitr is given before the Eid prayer and the end of
Ramadan to show Allah’s love. Those who are self-supporting adults with excess food to meet their
requirements and who have dependents are required to do so.
Here, we will discuss the significance of Zakat al-Fitr, its religious responsibilities, And How to Calculate Zakat Al Fitr?
and its role in purging fasting Muslims from indecent acts and speech and assisting the poor and needy.
What is Zakat al Fitr?
The Zakat al-Fitr is a type of Zakat that Muslims must pay before praying for Eid al-Fitr or ending the fast
of Ramadan. All Muslims who can pay this form of Zakat, regardless of their age or gender, must pay it.
This Zakat was introduced during the second year of migration (Hijra).
Unlike other types of Zakat, Zakat al-Fitr is considered an addition since the obligation of giving it relates
to the reasons for prematurely breaking the fast.
What is The Calculation for Zakat al-Fitr?
Zakat al-Fitr is calculated by supplying the poor with approximately 2.176 kilograms of any regular food
item. There is no difference between the amount of zakat payable by individuals based on their income.
The Zakat al Fitr calculated amount corresponds to one saa (dry measure) of a typical grain used by all
Muslims in the country. A saa weighs approximately 2.176 kilograms. According to Abu Said al Khudri,
“We used to take out the Zakat of Fitr in three kinds, cheese, dates, and barley.”
(Sahih Muslim: 2149)
When One Should Give Zakat al-Fitr?
The timing of Zakat ul Fitr is extremely important. Donations should be made before Eid ul Fitr,
preferably during the final days of Ramadan Kareem. Zakat ul Fitr distribution is essential to fulfilling
Muslim religious obligations, as it contributes to a joyful atmosphere during Eid.
What is the Obligation of Zakat al-Fitr?
Every Muslim is obligated to pay the Zakat al-Fitr. Many companions of the Prophet, ﷺ particularly
those who memorized his sayings, affirmed that Zakat al-Fitr was an obligation for every Muslim to pay.
1. Does Zakat al-Fitr Apply to Muslim Married Women?
According to the Hanafi legal school, all Muslims are required to contribute to zakat al-Fitr from their
wealth, including Muslim women, whether they are married or not. According to other schools of Islam,
husbands are required to pay zakat al-Fitr on behalf of their wives who are Muslim.
2. Do Children Have to Pay Zakat al-Fitr?
If children own the wealth, the zakat is collected from their properties. When children lack wealth, their
guardians must pay Zakat al-Fitr on their behalf.
It is generally accepted that all Muslims, young and old, are required to pay zakat al-Fitr. Most scholars,
however, believe it does not apply to the unborn child within the mother’s womb. On the other hand,
notable companions, such as Othman bin Affan رَضِيَ ٱللَّٰهُ عَنْهُ do advocate for the payment of zakat al-
Fitr on behalf of the unborn.
3. Are the Poor Required to Pay Zakat al-Fitr?
The majority of Muslims believe that all Muslims must pay zakat al-Fitr, even the poor, since the
obligation rests with the individual, not with the property. There is only one exception: for individuals
who need more food, shelter, clothing, and other necessities to sustain them on the day of Eid.
The payment of zakat al-Fitr becomes possible if the debt is due on the very day of Eid itself, thereby
reducing the insufficiency of basic needs on that particular day.
What Are the Recipients of Zakat al Fitr?
Scholars agree that poor Muslims are legally entitled to receive Zakat al Fitr from their fellow Muslims.
As for who is eligible to receive Zakat al Fitr, the following rules apply:
● No rule says a poor person cannot receive Zakat al Fitr from multiple donors. Still, scholars
oppose dividing one payment among many beneficiaries due to its contradictory purpose and
sufficiency for the poor.
● There are certain people for whom Zakat al Fitr is not permissible, such as a husband’s wife,
child, parents, etc. According to this ruling, it is similar to the zakat of money. Neither
unbelievers nor wealthy individuals should receive it.
● According to the Hanbali and Maliki schools of thought, Zakat al Fitr is a privilege reserved
exclusively for the poor. It does not matter if it must be sent abroad at the payer’s expense.
● Those who do not distribute their own Zakat al-Fitr payments also belong to the same eight
categories eligible for Zakat al-mal.
Throughout all societies, the Prophet’s command to “satisfy” the poor places them at the top of the list
of common sense.
Why is Zakat al-Fitr Necessary?
Zakat al-Fitr has two primary functions, one spiritually intended for the individual practitioner and the
other communally:
1. Zakat al-Fitr as a Spiritual Function
As a form of worship, fasting can be described as a “spiritual technology” that God teaches humans. By
doing so, one is enabling their soul to free itself from the worldly appetites that preoccupy them and to
allow their heavenly nature to be freed from the clay confines to draw closer to God. Having just seen
the Quran, we can conclude that this is what it says: To be ever fearful of God.
“God-fearing” is translated as the Arabic word taqwa, which means, in essence, to keep God in mind to
become habituated to obey his commands and to refrain from doing what he forbids.
Therefore, fasting is a worship ritual that demands more than simply abstaining from food, drink and
fulfilling one’s passions. The purpose of this form of training is to prepare the human spirit to master its
physical environment. The practice of fasting also involves holding our tongues from unseemly speech
(In the past, fasting meant not speaking at all for some).
Mary, the mother of Jesus, peace be on him said: So eat and drink and cool your eyes; and if you see any
person say to him: ‘Verily I have vowed a fast to the Most Compassionate Lord, and so I shall not speak
to anyone today.’ (19:26)
In its purest form, this is fasting – an ideal that, perhaps, no human being can attain. After observing
Ramadan for a month, the obligatory alms of Zakat al-Fitr cleanses us quickly from the adulterations we
accumulate.
2. Zakat al-Fitr as a Communal Function
Ramadan concludes with Eid al-Fitr, a fast-breaking celebration, which is one of the two major
celebrations in the Muslim calendar. All Muslims must receive this day of joyous prayer and gather with
obligatory charity, communal prayers, and a feast (may Allah return it to us soon).
Conclusion
Zakat al-Fitr holds a significant place in Islamic charitable practices. Following Ramadan, it is a
mandatory act that is intended to purify fasting Muslims from any indecent acts or statements. It
ensures that everyone can participate in Eid ul-Fitr’s joyous celebrations, regardless of their financial
status.
Understanding how Zakat al Fitr is calculated, significant, and impacts the Islamic faith provides a deeper
understanding of the concepts of social justice, social responsibility, and global humanitarian assistance
Jazakallah Khair
Written By:- Safia Malik an Experienced Copy & Content Writer