Zakat-ul-Fitr – Ramadan Digest (Day 26)

By Abdullahi Yusuf

Zakat-ul-Fitr, also known as Sadaqat-ul-Fitr, is an obligatory charity given at the end of Ramadan before Eid al-Fitr. It serves as a means of purification for those who fasted and as a way to help the less fortunate celebrate Eid with dignity.

The amount to be given is equivalent to one sa‘ (approximately 2.5 to 3 kg) of staple food such as rice, wheat, dates, or barley, per person. Every Muslim, regardless of age, is required to pay Zakat-ul-Fitr, and the head of a household can give on behalf of dependents.

The best time to give Zakat-ul-Fitr is before the Eid prayer, ensuring it reaches those in need in time for the celebration. The Prophet (pbuh) emphasized that delaying it beyond Eid Salah turns it into ordinary charity rather than fulfilling its purpose.

Ibn ‘Abbaas said: “The Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) made Zakat al-Fitr obligatory as a means of purifying the fasting person from idle talk and foul language, and to feed the poor. Whoever pays it before the prayer, it is an accepted zakah, and whoever pays it after the prayer, it is just a kind of charity (sadaqah).” (Reported by Abu Dawood, 1371. Al-Nawawi said: Abu Dawood reported it from Ibn ‘Abbaas with a hasan isnaad)

Tonight’s Taraweeh at Masjid Al Haram will be led by: Sheikh Abdullah Awad Al-Juhany and Sheikh Waleed Shamsan.

Global Ramadan News & Updates

Nigeria – Authorities in Kebbi State say a viral video alleging poor distribution of Ramadan relief in Dandi Local Government Area was misleading. State officials said the man featured in the video was a psychiatric patient allegedly manipulated by political actors, insisting the government’s Ramadan palliative programme included rice and millet and had not yet reached the council area when the recording was made.

Jerusalem / Middle East – Several Muslim-majority countries, including Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Jordan, United Arab Emirates and Turkey, have criticised restrictions affecting access to the Al‑Aqsa Mosque compound in Jerusalem during Ramadan. Officials warned that the situation could disrupt pilgrimage travel and religious tourism to one of Islam’s most significant holy sites.

Kenya – Meat exporters say shipments to Middle Eastern markets have dropped sharply during Ramadan as regional conflict and rising air freight costs disrupt logistics. Industry officials say exports of beef, lamb and goat to Gulf destinations such as Abu Dhabi and Dubai have fallen to less than five percent of normal Ramadan volumes.

Qatar – The government has announced a seven-day public-sector holiday for Eid al‑Fitr, marking the end of Ramadan. According to the Amiri Diwan, ministries and government agencies will suspend work from March 17 to March 23, with offices reopening on March 24.

United Arab Emirates – Authorities at the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque have expanded transport and crowd-management plans ahead of the final nights of Ramadan. Officials say additional taxis and buses will operate as thousands of worshippers are expected to attend late-night Taraweeh and Tahajjud prayers during the last ten days of the holy month.

Health Tip

After a full day of fasting, it’s tempting to eat in excess. However, consuming too much food too quickly can lead to indigestion, bloating, and fatigue. Start with dates and water, follow with a light meal.

Today’s Challenge

Pay Your Zakat-ul-Fitr, Ensure that you fulfill this obligation before Eid Salah. Remind family and friends of the importance of giving Zakat-ul-Fitr on time. And last but not least, think about the blessings you have and how charity purifies the soul as you give out.

Did You Know?

1. Zakat-ul-Fitr is different from Zakat– It is a fixed amount, not a percentage of wealth.

2. It was made obligatory in the 2nd year of Hijrah, the same year fasting in Ramadan was prescribed.

3. Even the poor are encouraged to give, as long as they can afford it.

Qur’an Verse of the Day

“Take from their wealth a charity by which you purify them and cause them increase, and invoke blessings upon them.” (Surah At-Tawbah 9:103)

Hadiths 

Ibn Umar (RA) reported: “The Messenger of Allah (pbuh) enjoined Zakat-ul-Fitr as a purification for the fasting person from idle talk and obscenities, and as food for the poor. Whoever gives it before the Eid prayer, it is accepted as Zakat, but whoever gives it after the prayer, it is counted as ordinary charity.” (Abu Dawood, Ibn Majah, Al-Hakim – Sahih)

Abu Sa’id Al-Khudri (RA) said:“During the lifetime of the Prophet (pbuh), we used to give Zakat-ul-Fitr as one sa‘ of food, or one sa‘ of dates, or one sa‘ of barley, or one sa‘ of raisins.” (Bukhari & Muslim)

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