Bab Zakat: Zakat Fitrah | Mukhtasor Abi Suja (Taqrib) | Buya Yahya | 23 Agustus 2021

Summary

This lecture delves into the concept of Zakat al-Fitr, a mandatory charity in Islam that must be given by Muslims at the end of Ramadan. It explains the key conditions for its obligation: being Muslim, having enough food for oneself and dependents on Eid, and witnessing the sunset on the last day of Ramadan. The speaker also covers who is responsible for paying Zakat al-Fitr and how the amount is calculated—typically 6.7 kilograms of staple food per person. The discussion is grounded in the Shafi’i school of thought, with brief references to other schools of Islamic jurisprudence.

Takeaways

• 😀 Zakat al-Fitr (fitrah) is a mandatory charity that Muslims are required to give before Eid al-Fitr, marking the end of Ramadan.
• 😀 A Muslim is obliged to give zakat al-Fitr if they have extra food for themselves and their family on the day of Eid.
• 😀 The zakat is meant for those under a Muslim's care, such as their family members or anyone they are responsible for supporting.
• 😀 Zakat al-Fitr must be given at sunset on the last day of Ramadan, marking the transition into the first day of Shawwal (Eid).
• 😀 A Muslim must have excess food for their own needs and those of their dependents in order to be liable to give zakat al-Fitr.
• 😀 Non-Muslims are not obligated to give zakat al-Fitr, and zakat cannot be given on behalf of non-Muslims.
• 😀 Zakat al-Fitr is not tied to wealth or social status, but to having enough food for oneself and those dependent on them during Eid.
• 😀 If a Muslim has dependents or people living with them, they must also ensure that those individuals have enough food for the day of Eid.
• 😀 The zakat can be given in the form of food, such as rice or dates, or equivalent value as per local customs or standards.
• 😀 The amount for zakat al-Fitr in the Shafi'i school of thought is approximately 6.7 ounces (around 200 grams) of food per person.

Q & A

What is Zakat Fitrah, and why is it important?

Zakat Fitrah is an obligatory alms that Muslims must pay during the month of Ramadan, specifically on the day of Eid al-Fitr. It purifies the fast and helps the poor celebrate the holiday. It's a way for Muslims to share their blessings with those in need.

Who is required to pay Zakat Fitrah?

A Muslim who has excess food for themselves and their family on the day of Eid al-Fitr is required to pay Zakat Fitrah. The payment is based on the food surplus they have available for the day.

What are the three main conditions for paying Zakat Fitrah?

The three main conditions for paying Zakat Fitrah are: 1) The person must be a Muslim, 2) They must have excess food for themselves and their family on the day of Eid, 3) The individual must witness the sunset on the last day of Ramadan, which marks the beginning of Eid.

Can a non-Muslim pay Zakat Fitrah?

No, Zakat Fitrah is an obligation for Muslims only. Non-Muslims are not required or allowed to pay Zakat Fitrah.

What does it mean to 'witness the sunset' for Zakat Fitrah?

Witnessing the sunset means that a person must experience the last moment of Ramadan and the start of Eid. This is the time when Zakat Fitrah becomes due, marking the transition from Ramadan to Eid.

Is it necessary for a person to be wealthy to pay Zakat Fitrah?

No, a person does not need to be wealthy to pay Zakat Fitrah. As long as they have enough food for themselves and their family for the day of Eid, they are obligated to give Zakat Fitrah.

Can children or slaves be required to pay Zakat Fitrah?

Children or slaves are not required to pay Zakat Fitrah themselves. Instead, the responsibility falls on their guardian, such as the parents or master, to pay on their behalf.

What happens if a person does not pay Zakat Fitrah on time?

If a person fails to pay Zakat Fitrah on time, it may still be accepted if paid later, but it is highly encouraged to pay it before Eid prayer to fulfill the obligation properly.

How is Zakat Fitrah measured in terms of food?

Zakat Fitrah is typically measured in terms of the local food staple, such as rice or dates, and amounts to approximately 2.5 to 3 kg per person. It is commonly calculated as one 'mud' (a traditional Islamic measure).

Can Zakat Fitrah be paid in monetary form instead of food?

While traditionally Zakat Fitrah is paid in food, in many modern contexts, it can be paid in monetary form equivalent to the value of the required food, based on local market prices. This helps to make it more accessible.