The Rules of Zakat al-Fitr According to Ibn Uthaymeen
Ibn Uthaymeen explained that Zakat al-Fitr is a measure of food that sustains people, which is given at the conclusion of Ramadan. The fundamental reasons for Zakat al-Fitr can be outlined as follows:
- The Religious Reason
According to Ibn Uthaymeen, the religious aspect is to express gratitude to Allah (Exalted be He) for the blessings of breaking the fast during the holy month of Ramadan. This gratitude is the primary reason the term “Zakat al-Fitr” or “Sadaqat al-Fitr” is used, as both terms are mentioned in Islamic texts.
- The Legal Condition
As for the conditions for the obligation of Zakat al-Fitr, it is required to be given once the time of obligation begins, which is the sunset of the evening before Eid al-Fitr, specifically the sunset of the last day of Ramadan. If a person passes away before sunset on the final day, they are exempt from this obligation. Conversely, if a child is born just a minute after sunset, there is no Zakat due. However, if a man contracts marriage before sunset on the last day of Ramadan, he is obligated to pay the Fitr of his wife, according to many scholars.
Regarding the ruling on Zakat al-Fitr, it is mandatory for every Muslim. The Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) mandated it upon breaking the fast of Ramadan. The proof for this is reported by Abdullah ibn Umar (may Allah be pleased with them), who stated: “The Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) made Zakat al-Fitr obligatory upon every Muslim, whether free or slave, male or female, young or old, a measure of dates or a measure of barley.”
Zakat al-Fitr is required from every Muslim, regardless of gender, age, or whether they observed the fast. Even a traveler who did not fast is obliged to give Sadaqat al-Fitr. Ibn Uthaymeen noted that giving Zakat al-Fitr for an unborn child is recommended but not obligatory.
The Prohibition of Withholding Zakat al-Fitr and Early Payment
Withholding Zakat al-Fitr is prohibited since it goes against the obligations laid down by the Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him), as indicated by the narration of Ibn Umar. It is commonly understood among scholars that neglecting a mandatory duty is sinful and carries great consequences.
Regarding the issue of early payment during the initial ten days of Ramadan, Ibn Uthaymeen stated that the optimal time to give Zakat al-Fitr is on Eid day before the prayer. This timing is because Zakat al-Fitr is inherently linked to Eid, making it necessary to be given at that time and not before.
However, it is permissible to give Zakat al-Fitr a day or two before Eid, as a means of accommodating people’s needs. Yet, according to the prevailing scholarly opinion, it is not permissible to distribute it during the first ten days of Ramadan. Additionally, delaying payment until after the Eid prayer is prohibited, and such a delay would not be valid for fulfilling the obligation.
Ibn Uthaymeen also noted that increasing the amount given as Zakat al-Fitr with the intention of additional charity is allowed. Some individuals purchase larger quantities of rice than the required amount for Zakat al-Fitr. This practice is permissible, provided they ensure the amount exceeds the obligatory requirement.
Categories of Zakat and the Recipients
According to Ibn Uthaymeen, Zakat can be given from any food that humans consume, even if it is not one of the five types specified by scholars, such as wheat, dates, barley, raisins, and dried curd. Currently, it is acceptable to pay Zakat al-Fitr using rice, which is often preferred by people.
It is prohibited to give Zakat al-Fitr in the form of money, clothing, furnishings, or other items, as this contradicts the instructions provided by the Prophet (peace be upon him). The amount of Zakat al-Fitr specified by the Prophet (peace be upon him) to be given from the food provided is approximately 2.04 kilograms.
Zakat al-Fitr should exclusively be distributed to the poor, as highlighted by Ibn Abbas (may Allah be pleased with him), who stated, “The Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) mandated Zakat al-Fitr as a means of purification for the fasting person from indecent speech and as nourishment for the needy.” Therefore, it is not permissible to give it to non-Muslim workers. Additionally, transferring Zakat al-Fitr from the place of origin to another area is not allowed unless no recipients are found in the initial location.