Rulings on Zakat al-Fitr According to Ibn Baz
The Status of Zakat al-Fitr
The details concerning the status of Zakat al-Fitr, as explained by Ibn Baz, are outlined below:
- Zakat al-Fitr is obligatory and mandated.
It is an established act of worship among Muslims, supported by the verse from Allah – the Exalted -: (Indeed, he has succeeded who purifies himself and remembers the name of his Lord and prays). Additionally, Ibn Umar – may Allah be pleased with him – reported that the Messenger of Allah – peace be upon him – mandated Zakat al-Fitr to be a measure equivalent to one صاع (saa) of dates or one صاع of barley for both males and females, young and old, free and slave among Muslims, and ordered that it be paid before the congregation begins the prayer.
- Obligation of Zakat al-Fitr
Zakat al-Fitr is obligatory for every Muslim, regardless of gender, age, or status, provided they are present at sunset on the night of Eid al-Fitr. It is not obligatory for non-Muslims as they are not considered among those entitled to purification or zakat until they embrace Islam. It is recommended to give Zakat al-Fitr on behalf of the unborn, as was practiced by the righteous caliph, Uthman – may Allah be pleased with him.
Moreover, the obligation falls upon individuals and their households, including their spouse and children, starting with oneself, then the spouse due to the husband’s duty to support her, followed by the children and dependents. This directive is derived from the hadith of Jabir – may Allah be pleased with him: (Begin with yourself, then with your family, and then with those related to you, in that order).
- The Wisdom Behind Its Legislation
Imam Ibn Baz stated, “Zakat al-Fitr was legislated by Allah – the Exalted – as a means to support the needy and provide sustenance to the poor.” Furthermore, he emphasized that Zakat al-Fitr should not be given to one’s descendants or ancestors; in other words, it should not be given to a married daughter, granddaughter, grandfather, or parents.
Timing of Zakat al-Fitr
The designated time for paying Zakat al-Fitr is at sunset on the last day of Ramadan. The Permanent Committee for Scholarly Research and Ifta, chaired by Imam Abdulaziz bin Abdullah bin Baz, stated: “The appropriate time is from the night before Eid al-Fitr until just before the Eid prayer. Early payment is permissible up to two or three days beforehand, but it should not be delayed beyond Eid.”
Sheikh Ibn Baz also noted, “Payment should begin at sunset on the last day of Ramadan, marking the first night of the month of Shawwal, and conclude before the Eid prayer, as the Prophet – peace be upon him – instructed that it be given prior to the prayer.” He mentioned that if someone forgets to give Zakat al-Fitr on time, they bear no sin, but they should still fulfill the obligation and ask Allah – the Exalted – for its acceptance.
However, for those who neglect this obligation intentionally, treating it lightly, they must pay Zakat al-Fitr along with seeking forgiveness and repenting to Allah – the Exalted, ensuring that their repentance is sincere, marked by remorse and a genuine commitment to avoid such disobedience in the future.
Value of Zakat al-Fitr
The value of Zakat al-Fitr is equivalent to one صاع (saa) of the local staple food, such as rice, wheat, or dates. According to Imam Sheikh Ibn Baz, “One صاع is approximately four handfuls of food, measured with two hands in a balanced position, using dry food items such as dates and wheat. In terms of weight, this equals about four hundred and eighty mithqals, which is roughly one hundred and ninety-two Saudi Riyals.”
He also stated, “In terms of volume, this is roughly equivalent to three kilograms. It is preferable for Muslims to offer dry food or dairy products by volume rather than weight.” Therefore, a صاع consists of four full handfuls from hands held in a balanced position, estimated at around three kilograms. Sheikh Ibn Baz asserted that it is impermissible to pay the value of Zakat al-Fitr in cash instead of food; it must be distributed in the same manner as during the time of the Prophet – peace be upon him.
Who is Obligated to Pay Zakat al-Fitr
Sheikh Ibn Baz – may Allah have mercy on him – mentioned that it is preferable to distribute Zakat al-Fitr among the poor in the locality where one resides or where one is present. This is essential to support the needy within the community and provide them with means during the Eid celebration, potentially alleviating their need to ask others for assistance. Should a person be traveling in an Islamic country, it is advised to disburse Zakat al-Fitr there.
If one is traveling in a non-Islamic country, they may seek out some Muslim poor and distribute Zakat al-Fitr to them. The Sheikh also indicated that it is permissible to give Zakat al-Fitr to non-Muslims whose hearts are to be softened, such as tribal leaders or prominent figures, particularly those from whom there is hope for conversion to Islam, and those who, when supported, might deter harm against Muslims.
This aligns with the verse from Allah – the Exalted: (The alms are only for the poor and the needy, and those employed to collect [zakat] and for bringing hearts together, and for freeing captives, and for those in debt, and for Allah’s cause, and for the traveler – an obligation [imposed] by Allah. And Allah is Knowing and Wise), which includes both Muslims and non-Muslims under the category of those whose hearts are to be softened.