Zakal Al Maal often takes centre stage when it comes to giving during Ramadan. Sadaqah comes a close second.
But there is an OBLIGATORY form of giving that we MUST remember: Zakat Al Fitr.
Often forgotten and neglected, this is an important part of the Muslim’s Ramadan worship. We need to make sure we do this right, do it on time (BEFORE the Eid prayer!) and do it with the seriousness it deserves.
Who needs to pay?
Every Muslim is required to pay Zakat ul-Fitr at the conclusion of the month of Ramadan as a token of thankfulness to Allah for having enabled him to observe fasts. Its purpose is to purify those who fast from any indecent act or speech and tohelp the poor and needy.
Threshold
Zakat al-Fitr is incumbent on every free Muslim who possesses one Sa` of dates or barley which is not needed as basic food for himself or his family for the duration of one day and night.
For whom it is paid
Every free Muslim must pay Zakat al-Fitr for himself and his dependants (i.e. his wife, children, and servants).
When it is paid
Most scholars believe that it is permissible to pay Zakat al-Fitr a few days before `Eid to allow for sufficient time to ensure the food reaches the needy family.
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