Understanding Sadaqatul Fitr
Sadaqatul Fitr is a charity which is given to the poor on the day of Eid. It is given to makeup for any deficiencies in our Ramadhan Fasts and also to help make the Eid of the poor and less fortunate better.
Let’s see what we can learn about sadaqatul Fitr:
1) The Obligation of Sadaqatul Fitr
1. Free
2. Sane
3. Possesses wealth which is surplus to his basic needs and reaches the value of Nisab (612.36 grams of silver)
Abdullah Ibn Umar رضي الله عنه reports that our beloved Nabi ﷺ obligated payment of charity at the end of Ramadhan, a portion of dates or barely, upon slave and freeman, male and female, young and old among the Muslims. The Prophet ﷺ ordered it to be given before people go out for Eid prayer. (Bukhari, Muslim)
2) Some Rules Regarding Sadaqatul Fitr
● The father must give Sadaqatul Fitr on behalf of his minor children too. (If they possess their own wealth, he may give from their wealth)
● Sadaqatul Fitr can be given anytime once Ramadhan begins.
● The obligation of Sadaqatul Fitr will remain until it is given.
Benefits of giving Sadaqatul Fitr:
1) Abdullah Ibn Abbas رضي الله عنه reports that our beloved Nabi ﷺ obligated Zakat al-Fitr (sadaqatul Fitr) as purification of the fasting person from vain talk and misbehavior and as food for the poor. Whoever pays it before the Eid prayer, it is accepted as Zakat. Whoever pays it after the Eid prayer, it is a general sadaqah. (Abu Dawud)
2) Imam Al-Nawawi reported that imam Waki’ ibn al-Jarrah, رحمه الله said, “Zakat (Sadaqah) al-Fitr is to the month of Ramadhan like the Sajdah al-Sahw (prostration of forgetfulness) is to prayer. It makes up for deficiencies in fasting just as the prostration makes up for deficiencies in prayer.” (al-Majmū’ Sharḥ al-Muhadhab)
3) Amount to be given:
Sadaqatul Fitr can be given to the value of any of the following items. The more expensive the item, the more virtuous it will be.
- 1/2 Sã Wheat
- 1 Sã Raisins
- 1 Sã Barley
- 1 Sã Dates; Khudri, Safawi, Ajwa
Please consult your local ulama for the amount of Sadaqatul Fitr in your area
