According to the Madhab of Imam Ash Shafi’i
According to the Madhab of Imam Ash Shafi’i
Every Muslim who has provisions for more than one day and is alive by the time of sunset on the eve of Eidul Fitr (that is, on the eve of the day of Uraza Bayram) is obliged to pay Zakat al Fitr. If a child is born prior to that, then it is necessary for him to pay Zakat al Fitr but if someone dies before this time then Zakat al Fitr is not paid on his behalf.
Zakat al Fitr may be paid during the whole month of Ramadan but it is preferable to do this after the time of sunset on the eve of Eid ul Fitr. It is best to pay it prior to the festive prayer but it is possible to do so during the festive day before sunset. To the one who pays Zakat before this time, it is necessary to add the word “in advance”. To postpone its payment after this period is haram (forbidden). And one who did not have time to pay Zakat al Fitr by this time is obliged to do so as soon as possible.
Every adult Muslim is obliged to pay Zakat not only for himself but also for those who are legally dependent on him (his wife, children, etc.). In this case, it is advisable to obtain authority (wakil) from those for whom Zakat is paid.
Zakat is paid in the form of the most commonly used products. In many countries the most widespread product is bread, therefore Zakat should be paid with wheat. In this case, wheat should be of good quality. Zakat wheat should weight 2.4 kilos. However, to allow for possible impurities, it is better to give 2.5 kilos. Some scholars believe that Zakat is 2.7 kilos. If we take this as our basis, it would be even better. According to the Hanafi madhab, Zakat is 3.7 kilos and, if it is paid in wheat, then half the sa'a (measure) is enough.
In addition, if it is difficult to pay Zakat by wheat, according to the Hanafi madhab, it can be paid in cash equivalent to the cost of the same amount of wheat. At the same time, when making an intention, the Shafi'ites must say that Zakat is paid in money, following Imam Abu Hanifa. But for the followers of the Shafi'ite madhab it is better to pay Zakat with wheat.
Before the Zakat is paid, the following intention should be made (niyyat): “I intend to pay for myself (my wife and minor children [son, daughter the names of the ones for whom I am paying]) the obligatory (fard) Zakat al Fitr in the name of Almighty Allah.”
If for an adult Muslim Zakat is paid by another Muslim, then he should be authorized to do so, that is, to be made a wakil.
Zakat al Fitr, like the Zakat in general, should be given only to strictly defined categories of people:
- poor (those whose income is 20-30% of that required);
- indigent (people whose income is less than the required amount by 70-80%);
- employees engaged in the collection, storage, accounting, distribution of the zakat: this is given to them as a salary;
- converts (those who have accepted Islam and need material or moral support);
- slaves released under a self-bargaining agreement;
- those who have accrued debts for purposes permitted by the Sharia (treatment, food, construction of necessary housing, purchase of necessary clothing, etc.);
- those who are on the true path and lead a holy war (ghazawat) against nonbelievers;
- travellers who are on a journey permitted by the Sharia and who have been left without necessary means.
It should be emphasized that Zakat is due only for the above categories of Muslims and its payment to others (for example, orphans or invalids, if they do not fall under the above categories, mosques, etc.) is unacceptable, for in this case the fard remains unfulfilled and Zakat will be considered as a charity (sadaqah).
First of all, zakat should be given to relatives and neighbors falling under the above categories (except for those relatives whose maintenance is required by Sharia, such as a wife, minor children, sick parents, etc.). If amongst them there are none who are qualified to receive the Zakat, then it is necessary to give it to the inhabitants of one’s village or city. If there are no such people in the village or city, then it should be given to the residents of neighboring villages or cities.
A person who has received Zakat by right, can dispose of it as he wills: eat, sell, donate it, etc.
Zakat should be given to at least three Muslims. Therefore, it is better to mix a few zakats and then divide between recipients.
Zakat cleanses the Muslim of small sins and from the errors of fasting. It is said in a hadith that a Muslim's fast observed during the month of Ramadan does not ascend but is hung between Heaven and the Earth until Zakat al Fitr is paid.
But Zakat should be paid regardless of whether the Muslim fast is observed in the month of Ramadan or not.
If Zakat has not been paid earlier, then it should be paid as soon as possible, because this is the obligation (duty) of every Muslim.
May Allah accept all our good deeds. Amin!
ABDURAKHMAN ALIEV
THEOLOGIAN
