- Category: ZAKAT-SADAQAH
- Language: ENGLISH
- Format: PDF
Every Muslim is required to pay Zakat al-Fitr at the conclusion of the month of Ramadan as a token of thankfulness
to God for having enabled him to observe fasts. Its purpose is to purify those who fast from any indecent
act or speech and to help the poor and needy. This view is based upon the hadith which reads, “The Messenger
of Allah (peace be upon him) enjoined Zakat al-Fitr on those who fast to shield them from any indecent act or
speech, and for the purpose of providing food for the needy. It is accepted as Zakah for the one who pays it
before the `Eid prayer, and it is sadaqah for the one who pays it after the prayer.”
Al-Qaradawi comments on this hadith by saying that there are two purposes: one is related to the individual;
for completion of his fast and compensation for any shortcomings in his acts or speech. The other is related to
society; for the spreading of love and happiness among its members, particularly the poor and needy, during
the day of `Eid. It also purifies one’s soul from such shortcomings as the adoration of property, and from miserliness.
Furthermore, it purifies one’s wealth from the stain of unlawful earnings. It is also a cure for ailments. The
Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) said, “It would be better that you treat your patients with charity.”
In addition, it provides for the needs of the poor and the indigent and relieves them from having to ask others
for charity on the day of `Eid. The Prophet (said, “Fulfil their need on this day (i.e., the day of `Eid)”
