Zakat Al Fitr is the charity paid by Muslims at the end of Ramadhan on the day of Eid. It is an obligation upon any Muslim who can afford it and reaches the sunset. A person should do this for himself and his family members who are under his responsibility. It is also recommended for a man to donate on behalf of the fetus in the womb of his wife.
Wisdom behind donating Zakat al-Fitr
The Wisdom behind donating this type of Zakat is:
1. It purifies a person who has just fasted the month of Ramadhan from any false and idle speech that may have emanated from him.
2. It helps the poor, so that their needs are met on the Day of Eid and they do not have to ask others.
Time for its donation
The permissible and prohibited times for donation of Zakat al Fitr is:
1. Permitted time: Before Eid by one or two days.
2. Recommended time: Before the Eid Prayer, after Fajr.
3. Impermissible time: After the Eid Prayer.
The amount to be donated
A person should donate one Saa’ (approximately 3kg) of the staple food of one’s country (such as barley or rice). It is not permitted to donate money of its value, but money can be given to a person or a charity who will buy food on one’s behalf and distribute it.
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