Rulings on Zakat al-Fitr According to the Maliki School
Zakat al-Fitr, also known as the Gift of Breaking the Fast, serves as a means of purification for the fasting individual, cleansing them from any deficiencies that may have occurred during their fast—namely, from idle talk and inappropriate behavior. It derives its name from ‘Fitr,’ which refers to one’s natural disposition or creation, thus linking it to the physical body. Additionally, some scholars assert that it was named Zakat al-Fitr because it is obligatory at the time of breaking the fast after Ramadan. The rulings regarding Zakat al-Fitr according to the Maliki school are as follows:
Status of Zakat al-Fitr
The majority of Maliki jurists maintain that Zakat al-Fitr is obligatory. Notably, those who adhere strictly to Maliki jurisprudence support the view held by most scholars of this school, asserting its mandatory nature. However, a minority of scholars within the Maliki tradition argue that Zakat al-Fitr is merely a Sunnah, a position considered less authoritative.
The evidence supporting its obligatory status stems from a narration by Amr ibn Shu’ayb from his father and grandfather, indicating that the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) sent a caller throughout the valleys of Makkah proclaiming that “Zakat al-Fitr is obligatory upon every Muslim, male and female, free and slave, young and old, from wheat or one sa’ (measure) of other food items.”
Another evidence cited by proponents of its obligation is a narration from Ibn Umar (may Allah be pleased with him), who stated that the Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) prescribed Zakat al-Fitr as one sa’ of dates or barley for every Muslim—whether free or enslaved, male or female, young or old—and commanded that it be paid before people attend the prayer.
Conversely, those Malikis who consider Zakat al-Fitr to be a Sunnah interpret the term ‘obligation’ as denoting a recommendation rather than strict obligation, suggesting that the Prophet (peace be upon him) merely prescribed the amount for Zakat al-Fitr.
Conditions for Obligation of Zakat al-Fitr
For Zakat al-Fitr to be obligatory, several conditions must be met: the person must be free, as it is not required from a slave; they must be a Muslim, thereby exempting non-Muslims; and they should be able to provide it at the time of obligation, even if it means borrowing with the assurance of repayment. Zakat al-Fitr is obligatory on every Muslim and for those they support financially, including impoverished parents and adult children.
Additionally, it is necessary to account for non-adult children and unmarried daughters, whether they are grown or not; thus, Zakat al-Fitr should be given on behalf of these relatives. An obligation also extends to the husband, who must pay Zakat al-Fitr for his wife and for his father’s wife.
Similarly, it applies in the case of servitude, where a master must pay Zakat al-Fitr for his slaves, as well as his father’s and mother’s slaves if they are in need, including those slaves belonging to adult children, provided they are impoverished.
Amount of Zakat al-Fitr
The amount of Zakat al-Fitr is one sa’, which equals four mudds. A mudd is typically the quantity that can be held in both hands cupped together. This sa’ is based on what the individual would consume along with their dependents on the Day of Eid al-Fitr. The sa’ must be obtained from prevalent staple foods within the community, which may include nine specified items: wheat, barley, oats, corn, millet, rice, dates, oil, and dried yogurt (ghasab).
Timeframe for Zakat al-Fitr
Zakat al-Fitr is to be paid at sunset on the last day of Ramadan or when the night of the first day of Shawwal commences. It becomes obligatory with the dawn of the first day of Shawwal. It is recommended to distribute it after the Fajr prayer and prior to the Eid al-Fitr prayer. However, it is permissible to pay Zakat al-Fitr up to two days before the Eid.
Recipients of Zakat al-Fitr
Zakat al-Fitr should be given to free Muslim poor or needy individuals who are not from the Hashemite clan. It cannot be given to slaves, non-Muslims, wealthy Muslims, nor to those belonging to the household of the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him).
Outstanding Zakat al-Fitr After Its Due Time
If an individual who is obligated to pay Zakat al-Fitr delays the payment beyond its due time—meaning until sunset on the day of Eid, which is the first of Shawwal—the obligation remains. They would still owe the payment and would be considered sinful for missing the appropriate time for performance. The intent behind issuing Zakat al-Fitr on Eid is to provide for the poor, enabling them to avoid asking for help on that day.