Ads by Muslim Ad Network

aaa

Live Fatwa (`Eid al-Fitr and Zakat al-Fitr Issues)

Sheikh Ahmad Kutty
21 June, 2017

As-salamu alaykum dear brothers and sisters,

 

Welcome to a new live general fatwa session. We are honored that Sheikh Ahmad Kutty will be our guest for this session.

 

If you have a question related to `Eid al-Fitr and Zakat al-Fitr, feel free to submit it. Our guest, Sheikh Ahmad Kutty, will answer all your questions. The answers will be published soon on this page at the time of the session.
You can also send you questions in advance at [email protected]

Ads by Muslim Ad Network

Saturday, Jun. 24, 2017 | 13:00 - 15:00 GMT

Session is over.
DISCLAIMER
Views expressed by hosts/guests on this program (live dialogue, Facebook sessions, etc.) are their own and their appearance on the program does not imply an endorsement of them or any entity they represent.  

What should we do on the day of `Eid al-Fitr?



1- `Eid is a day of celebration. It is, therefore, recommended for one to put on the best attire he has and wear scents or perfumes.

 

2- While proceeding to the Salah, the takbirshould be chanted intermittently.

 

3- It is preferred for one to proceed to the Salahafter having a light snack for `Eid al-Fitr. But for `Eid al-Adhha, one should eat after the Salah. This was the Sunnahof the Prophet (peace be upon him).

Ads by Muslim Ad Network

4- Take one route while going to the Salahand a different one when returning.

 

5- `Eid means celebration and feasting. It is a time to express joy, exchange greetings, and share brotherly feelings. The exchange of visits and gifts is recommended, and the Companions used to greet each other on these days.

 

Almighty Allah knows best.

 

Can women perform `Eid al-Fitr prayer at home?



No, `Eid al-Fitr prayer is a collective prayer which should be performed with the community under the imam.  Those who are not able to come out because of valid reasons are exempt.  Since it is not an individual obligation, they are excused and they are not required to make up for it.

Almighty Allah knows best.

Should women perform `Eid al-Fitr prayer?



`Eid is a celebration, and all Muslims, male and female, young and old, should participate in it. According to the traditions, the Prophet (peace be upon him) desired that all Muslims, irrespective of gender or age, should attend `Eid prayer.

 

As Umm `Attiyyah tells us the Prophet ordered that on that day even menstruating women, who otherwise do not attend the prayers, should participate in the celebrations of `Eid. He advised them to stay away from the prayer area (and hence the prayer) while otherwise participating in all other functions associated with `Eid.

 

Almighty Allah knows best.

Ads by Muslim Ad Network

What is the role of `Eid al-Fitr in bringing Muslims together?



`Eid al-Fitr brings out the community together for collective prayer and exchanging greetings and expressing the joy of `Eid.

 

Since it is a communal celebration, the Prophet (peace be upon him) insisted that no one including women who are otherwise ordered to stay away from prayer during menstruation should come out to participate in the `Eid celebration.

 

He thus intended it to be an occasion for expression of unity and cementing the communal bonds.

Ads by Muslim Ad Network

 

Almighty Allah knows best.

 

What is the significance of `Eid al-Fitr?



`Eid al-Fitr is intended as a celebration of thanksgiving to Allah for His blessings as He granted us the opportunity to fast and utilize the spiritual rewards of the month of Ramadan.

 

Allah says:

 

“It was the month of Ramadan in which the Qur’an was [first] bestowed from on high as a guidance unto man and a self-evident proof of that guidance, and as the standard by which to discern the true from the false. Hence, whoever of you lives to see this month shall fast throughout it; but he that is ill, or on a journey, [shall fast instead for the same] number of other days. God wills that you shall have ease, and does not will you to suffer hardship; but [He desires] that you complete the number [of days required], and that you extol God for His having guided you aright, and that you render your thanks [unto Him].” (Al=-Baqarah 2:185)

Ads by Muslim Ad Network

 

Since Ramadan was a rigorous training course we are ordered to celebrate its completion with feasting and sharing the joy with family and friends. It is also an occasion to cement the bonds of brotherhood and share the blessings with others.

 

Almighty Allah knows best.

What is `Eid al-Fitr?



`Eid al-Fitr is the Festival fast breaking; it follows after the end of the month long fasting of Ramadan.  It has been instituted as an occasion to express thanks to Allah for our achievement in Ramadan and to express joy.

 

As a religion of moderation, Islam does not ignore the need of humans to express joy and celebrate festive occasions. The `Eid festivals are occasions to recuperate and relax. They are a time to get away from the stresses of daily life, for families to get together, and for the community to come together. A nation’s holidays and feasts are tied to its sacred history and world outlook, and Islamic feasts are no exception; they reflect the Islamic worldview and vision of the Ummah.

 

There are two basic celebrations in Islam, and each one is connected with a religious event.

Ads by Muslim Ad Network

 

The first is `Eid al-Fitr, which is connected with fasting. It is a celebration of the victory one has achieved in mastering and subduing the carnal soul by the successful completion of fasting.

 

The second feast is `Eid al-Adhha, which coincides with Hajj and is intended to commemorate the faith and sacrifice of Prophet Ibrahim (Abraham), known as the Friend of Allah and the Father of Prophets.

 

The two days of `Eid in Islam replace all of the ancient feasts associated with pagan traditions. The Prophet (peace be upon him) said, “Through these two fasts (i.e., `Eid al-Fitr and `Eid al-Adhha), Allah has replaced the pagan festivals with that which is better” (Abu Dawud on the authority of Anas ibn Malik).

 

Almighty Allah knows best.

 

Can we give the amount of Zakat al-Fitr to charity organization?



Since as stated in the hadith – cited earlier –  the main purpose of Zakat al-Fitr is to feed the poor, it cannot be given to an organization.

 

However, one may entrust the amount to a legitimate organization authorizing them to distribute it among the needy people.

 

Islamic Relief Canada and Human concern international are two responsible organizations in Canada we can recommend in this regard.

Ads by Muslim Ad Network

 

I am sure there are other organizations in your country who have gained the trust of people. You may entrust them with the amount for distribution as long as you stipulate the fact that it is Zakat al-Fitr.

 

Almighty Allah knows best.

If it happens that I forget Zakat al-Fitr, what should I do?



If one forgets to pay Zakat al-Fitr, he ought to pay it without delay. Since a debt he owes to Allah on behalf of the poor, he needs to clear the debt as soon as possible.

 

By paying it, he will not be getting the reward of zakah; rather he will get rewards of charity.

 

The Prophet (peace be upon him) said, “Whoever gives it before the `Eid Salah, it will be reckoned as Zakah; and whoever pays it after it will be reckoned as an optional charity.”

Ads by Muslim Ad Network

 

Almighty Allah knows best.

Can Zakat al-Fitr be waived with the passage of time?



Zakat al-Fitr cannot be waived with the passage of time as there always will be poor in our midst.

 

Given the fact that capitalism runs rampant in the world and it makes the rich richer and the poor poorer, we can only expect the conditions to get worse over the course of time.

 

Therefore, we can never dispense with Zakat al-Fitr as long as such conditions prevail.

Ads by Muslim Ad Network

 

Almighty Allah knows best.

Can I send Zakat al-Fitr outside my country?



Who are the recipients of Zakat al-Fitr? A hadith is quite explicit on the issue: “The Prophet (peace be upon him) prescribed sadaqat al-Fitr as a means of cleansing the fasting person…as well as a means of providing food for the poor (for the day of `Eid).” (Abu Dawud and others)

 

Given the explicit nature of the above hadith, one should not take liberties with regard to Zakat al-Fitr, and it should not be diverted to other causes, however noble they may be.

 

The proper manner of giving Zakat al-Fitr is to give it where one is residing. However, in the event that one cannot find deserving people nearby, or one has close relatives in another country who are more deserving, then it is allowed to send the funds there.

Ads by Muslim Ad Network

 

As stated above, if there are no needy people to receive the Zakah in one’s local area, it should be directed to where there is a need.

 

In today’s world, there is no justification for holding the funds or directing them to other channels when we know that millions of people, a large percentage of whom are Muslims, are living in sub-human conditions of extreme poverty and deprivation.

 

Whether one decides to give it locally or elsewhere, the amount of Zakah should be calculated according to the standard of his place of residence rather than by where the funds are sent.

 

Almighty Allah knows best.

Is it OK to pay more than the amount of Zakat al-Fitr?



Yes. It is better to give more especially if one is more affluent and therefore afford to do so.

 

As Imam Ibn Taymiyyah says: while giving Zakat al-Fitr, a person should take into account his own spending to celebrate the `Eid.

 

Almighty Allah knows best.

Ads by Muslim Ad Network

I have some poor relatives, can I pay Zakat al-Fitr to them?



Certainly you are allowed to give zakat al-fitr to your poor relatives.

 

It is not only allowed but also preferred to do so. The Prophet (peace be upon him) said, “Giving charity to one’s own blood relations can merit double rewards: rewards for fostering ties of kinship and for charity.”

 

Almighty Allah knows best.

Ads by Muslim Ad Network

Is Zakat al-Fitr a must on a poor man and his family?



Anyone who has excess means or cash in his possession, after providing for the needs of himself and his family, should pay zakat al-fitr.

 

If, however, a person does not have surplus means, he does not have to pay.

 

It does not matter that he has assets such as house, car, basic assets; he does not need to sell them to pay Zakat al-Fitr as they are essentials of daily living.

Ads by Muslim Ad Network

 

Almighty Allah knows best.

 

Can we pay Zakat al-Fitr in cash?



According to Ibn Taymiyyah, while paying Zakat al-Fitr, one should ideally take into account the standard of living he is used to, for a rich person may spend lavishly on the `Eid feast, while an average person cannot afford do so; therefore, one would do well to give according to his own means.

 

Based on the traditions referenced above, the standard ruling of the majority of scholars is that Zakat al-Fitr is to be paid in staple foods rather than in cash.

 

However, Imam Abu Hanifah is one of those who ruled early on that one should pay what is most beneficial for the poor.

Ads by Muslim Ad Network

 

There is no doubt that this view seems to be in perfect agreement with the wisdom of Zakat al-Fitr, as the Prophet (peace be upon him) clearly stated it was “in order to help the poor celebrate `Eid.”

 

We need not mention the fact that paying in grains, although beneficial in a rural setting, may not be beneficial for the people in an urban milieu, so Imam Abu Hanifah’s position seems to be more relevant in such cases.

 

This position has also been endorsed by Imam Ibn Taymiyyah, as well as by a number of eminent scholars in modern times, such as the late Sheikh Mustafa al-Zarqa among others.

 

There is no need to point out that in North America, and in the West in general, that this is perhaps the most practical way to implement Zakat al-Fitr, since giving grains may not be beneficial for either the giver or the beneficiary.

 

As far as calculating the amount to be paid in cash, it is estimated to be the equivalent of one full meal; according to current Canadian standards, it can be considered ten dollars as less than that amount cannot fetch a decent meal.

However, Imam Ibn Taymiyyah’s opinion cited above should be taken into account, as it allows some leeway for individuals to decide how much they can afford to pay, although it is always best to err on the side of giving rather than withholding, especially in the realm of ‘ibadah.

 

Almighty Allah knows best.



During the time of the Prophet (peace be upon him), he ordered the people to take Zakat al-Fitr out from the foods they used to have available, such as wheat, dates, etc.

 

Thus, al-Bukhari and Muslim reported on the authority of Abu Sa`id al-Khudri: “During the time of the Prophet (peace be upon him), we used to take out Zakat al-Fitr in the form of a sa` of food, or a sa` of wheat or dates, or cheese or raisins”

 

Scholars differ in specifying the foods referred to in the above tradition. Some say the food is meant to be grain; however, others say it could include any of the staple foods customary in each country, including rice, wheat, raisins, pulses, flours, etc.

Ads by Muslim Ad Network

 

A question arises: What is a sa`?

 

Scholars agree that it was the standard measurement in Madinah during the time of the Prophet (peace be upon him). It was comparable to four mudds; a mudd is what an average person can hold when he cups his hands.

 

As for the wisdom of fixing the measurement as one sa`, Imam Shah Waliullah explained that it was considered sufficient at the time (i.e., during the Prophet’s time) for sustaining a family for the day of `Eid.

 

The conversion of a sa` into the metric standard of weights is contentious, precisely because of the fact that it varies according to the type of foods that are being weighed.

 

Therefore, many consider it best to consider four mudds, as measured by average persons, as the standard to follow.

 

The Saudi Council of Scholars, after due deliberation, has estimated it to be equivalent to approximately three kilograms.

 

Almighty Allah knows best.

When should we pay Zakat al-Fitr?



Zakat al-Fitr must be paid before `Eid Salah. According to the fuqaha (jurists), it is permitted to pay it in advance during Ramadan. We learn from the traditions that the Prophet (peace be upon him) used to accept Zakah from his uncle `Abbas in advance before it was due; there is no reason why this rule should not be extended to Zakat al-Fitr.

 

Following this rule would help the poor prepare for the `Eid; it would also facilitate the distribution of Zakah to the needy in time for `Eid if we choose to send it overseas.

 

Delaying Zakat al-Fitr till after the Salah is not at all recommended. The Prophet (peace be upon him) said, “If someone pays it before `Eid Salah, his charity will be considered Zakah. If someone pays it after the Salah, it is reckoned only as a regular form of charity.” (Abu Dawud on the authority of `Abd Allah ibn `Abbas)

Ads by Muslim Ad Network

 

Almighty Allah knows best.

What is Zakat al-Fitr?



There are two types of Zakah in Islam. The first is the regular, compulsory charity (levied on the rich), also referred to specifically as Zakat al-mal; it is the third pillar of Islam. The other is Zakat al-Fitr, also known sadaqat al-Fitr.

 

Zakat al-Fitr is due on every person who has sufficient means to maintain himself and his family beyond the day and night of `Eid, and it must be paid on behalf of every member of one’s family including infants.

 

Zakat al-Fitr is obligatory on everyone who has witnessed the last part of Ramadan and the beginning of Shawwal. Thus, it is not obligatory on those who have died before the sunset of the last day of Ramadan, nor is it a must to pay it on behalf of infants born after the final departure of Ramadan.

Ads by Muslim Ad Network

 

As explicitly stated by the Prophet (peace be upon him), the purpose of Zakat al-Fitr is two-fold:

 

1- To help compensate for the deficiencies in our fasts. Often we are guilty of mistakes, which, although we may be unaware of them, may nevertheless undermine the blessings and rewards of fasting.

 

2- It is intended to help the poor celebrate `Eid al-Fitr. Islam, being a religion with a social message, considers it essential that at least on the day of `Eid, nobody should be allowed to go hungry.

 

Abu Dawud narrated on the authority of Ibn `Abbas that he (the latter) said, “The Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) prescribed Zakat al-Fitr in order to cleanse those who were fasting from (damages done to their fasts due to indulgence in) lewdness or obscenities, as well as a means of proving food for the poor; so, if someone pays it before the Salah, it is considered Zakah, and if someone pays it after, it is a form of charity.” (Ibn Majah on the authority of `Abd Allah ibn `Abbas)

 

Zakat al-Fitr is considered obligatory on every Muslim, male or female, young or old.

 

Imams Bukhari and Muslim reported on the authority of `Abd Allah ibn `Umar: “The Messenger of Allah prescribed the payment of Zakat al-Fitr at the rate of one sa` of dates or wheat, to be paid by every Muslim, whether free or slave, male or female, young or old.”

 

Imam Khattabi commented on this, saying, “If we say its purpose is to purify our fasts, Zakat al-Fitr should be obligatory on every person who is fasting, rich or poor, who has a sufficiency above his sustenance, for everyone is in need of purification.”

 

However, Ibn Hajar countered this argument, saying, “Purification is mentioned only as one of the major purposes, albeit an important one, but its wisdom is not exhausted by it; so, it should be binding on everyone, including those who have not incurred any sins whatsoever, such as children, etc.).”

 

Almighty Allah knows best.