Sadaqah al-Fitr

Fitr means to break fast or to refrain from fasting. Hence the Id after the fasts of Ramadan is called Id al-Fitr, as it marks the completion of fasting.

On this occasion of happiness, as a sign of gratitude one has to give a specific amount in alms, which is called Sadaqah al-Fitr. This is to purify and obtain complete blessings for the fasts of Ramadan.

Ibn `Abbas t narrates:
"Rasulullah (S.A.W.) made the charity of Fitr compulsory as a source of purification for fasts from futilities (time wasting) and obscenities and also as source of food for the poor. (For) he who pays it before the (Id) Salah it becomes an accepted purifier, and (for) he who pays it after Salah it remains a charity amongst charities. "

al-Hakim, Abu Dawud, Ibn Majah

Thus it is Wajib to give Sadaqah al-Fitr.

Another objective in giving Sadaqah al-Fitr on this happy occasion is also to assist the poor and needy, so that they may also rejoice with the more fortunate.

Amongst the reasons for giving Sadaqah al-Fitr are:
1. It acts as a purifier for ones shortcomings in the fast.
2. To thank Allah I for bestowing on us the strength to fast during the month of Ramadan.
3. To celebrate the completion of fasting.
4. To demonstrate the auspiciousness of the day of Id.
5. To assist the poor in joining the atmosphere of Id.

If one does not give the Sadaqah al-Fitr, it still remains due no matter how much time passes after Id.

RULES OF SADAQAH AL-FITR

Sadaqah al-Fitr (or Fitrah) is Wajib (compulsory) upon all Muslims - men, women and children who on the day of Id al-Fitr possess the Nisab of Zakah.

The father has to pay Sadaqah al-Fitr on behalf of his young children, i.e. those who have not attained the age of puberty. It is not obligatory upon the husband to pay Fitrah on behalf of his wife, nor of his older children. If they possess the Nisab, they shall have to pay their own Sadaqah al-Fitr. Although if one wants to pay on someone else"s behalf they can do, provided they have sought their permission first.

Sadaqah al-Fitr should be paid before the Id Salah. It is sinful to delay the payment of Sadaqah al-Fitr later than the day of Id.

It is permissible (and at times better if it means that the money will reach the recipients in good time) to pay Sadaqah al-Fitr in advance, any time during the month of Ramadan. Sadaqah al-Fitr could be paid even before Ramadan.

Sadaqah al-Fitr is Wajib upon all those who fasted as well as those who did not fast for some reason or other.

The amount that must be given is equal to 1.6 kg of wheat or 3.2 kg of barley or its like. Obviously, this does not mean that a person must buy wheat or barley to distribute, but they can also give its equal it value. (Because this fluctuates it is improper to specify a price, although it is usually between one and three pounds.)