Complete Guide to Zakat Fitrah: Rulings, Time, and How to Pay It

Definition and Law of Zakat Fitrah

It is important to understand the meaning and laws of zakat in Islam. In this regard, we will explain the work of contemporary scholar Sheikh Prof. Dr. Yusuf al-Qardhawi (may Allah place him near Him). Amen. In his book entitled Fiqhuz-Zakat which has been translated into Indonesian, published in 1988 by Pustaka Litera AntarNusa.

Zakat in terms of terminology jurisprudence, meaning a certain amount of wealth that Allah SWT requires to be distributed to those who are entitled. Zakat also means disbursing a certain amount of wealth. Zakat will protect wealth from destruction, this is also the opinion expressed by Imam Nawawi.

Meanwhile, the meaning (ta'rif) zakat fitrah is a certain level of wealth that must be paid at sunset at the end of the day of Ramadan with certain conditions, imposed on every mukallaf and whose livelihood is covered.

It is called zakat fitrah, because the obligation is imposed with the arrival of Eid al-Fitr at the end of Ramadan.. This means that zakat fitri is zakat for breaking the fast. Ta'rif/This understanding was conveyed by Shaikh Prof. Dr. Muhammad Az-Zuhaily in Al-Mu'tamad fii Al-Fiqh Ash-Shafii.

The Law of Zakat Fitrah

According to Imam al-Ghazali in his book Ashrar as-Shaum wa Asrar az-Zakat, the law of zakat fitrah is obligatory for every Muslim. Required for all dependent relatives. Namely those who must be supported, such as fathers, mothers, grandfathers, grandmothers, grandfathers and children. As the Messenger of Allah said;

"Give zakat fitrah to everyone who is your dependent"

Once again, Zakat fitrah is MANDATORY.  It is obligatory on men and women, children and adults, slaves and free. In another history, Rasulullah Saw said:

prayer صَاعًا مِنْ تَمْرٍ ، أَوْ صَاعًْ وَالْحُرِِ وَالْكَبِيرِ مِنَ الْمُسْلِمِينَ وَأَمَرَ بِهَا أَنْ تُؤَدَّى قَبْلَ خُرُوجِ God willing

"The Messenger of Allah May Allah bless him and grant him peace obligating zakat fitrah with one sho' of dates or one sho' of wheat for every Muslim who is free or slave, male or female, child or adult. The zakat is ordered to be issued before people go out to perform the Eid prayer." (HR. Bukhari, No. 1503 and Muslim, No. 984)

Zakat al-Fitr is a form of charity obligatory for every able-bodied Muslim, paid at the end of Ramadan, before the Eid al-Fitr prayer. This charity serves a crucial purpose: to purify the self and soul of a Muslim and to help those less fortunate celebrate Eid al-Fitr properly.

The Right Time to Pay Zakat Fitrah

Zakat al-Fitr is an obligation for every Muslim and must be performed during the month of Ramadan, just before the Eid al-Fitr prayer. Determining the right time for... Paying zakat fitrah is very important so that this worship is valid and in accordance with the provisions of the Shari'a. Therefore, there are several times that are permitted for paying zakat fitrah, both before and after the Eid al-Fitr prayer.

The best time to pay zakat fitrah is before the Eid al-Fitr prayer is performed. This aims to ensure that zakat recipients can experience its benefits in welcoming the holiday. Muslims are encouraged to fulfill this obligation as fully as possible before the Eid al-Fitr prayer to ensure that the zakat fitrah reaches its intended recipients.

If zakat is paid after prayer, then its status is no longer zakat fitrah, but rather ordinary charity. It is recommended that each individual pay attention to the time available and make the payment at the suggested time.

Apart from that, there is also a time when it is permissible to pay zakat fitrah before the month of Ramadan ends. Scholars agree that zakat payments can be made from the beginning of the month of Ramadan. for those who want to ensure this obligation is carried out on time.

However, it should still be noted that payments during the month of Ramadan are not allowed to be made excessively, because zakat fitrah is supposed to be paid at the end of the month of fasting. In this way, Muslims are expected to be able to pay zakat fitrah appropriately in accordance with religious teachings and the interests of the surrounding community.

How to Pay Zakat Fitrah

In the study of zakat fitrah, the method of distribution and payment has certain rules that must be understood. Zakat fitrah must be given to those entitled to receive it, as follows: mentioned in the Qur'an surah at-Taubah verse 60, namely 8 (eight) groups of zakat recipients (asnaf):

1.poor. 2. Poor. 3. Amil (zakat manager). 4. Converts to Islam (a person whose heart is softened). 5. Riqab (servant). 6. Gharim (a person who is in debt). 7. In the name of Allah (in the way of Allah). 8. Ibn Sabil (travelers who run out of supplies).

Even though the asnaf has been determined, zakat fitrah primarily emphasizes that the main priority of zakat fitrah recipients is the needy and poor. This aims to ensure that they can also feel happiness on the Eid al-Fitr holiday.

According to several opinions regarding zakat fitrah, zakat fitrah can be given in the form of staple foods, such as rice, corn, or wheat, in the amount of one sa' (approximately 2.5 kg or 3.5 liters). Some scholars also believe that zakat fitrah can be given in the form of money equivalent to the value of the staple food.

By understanding the rules and methods of distribution related to the study of zakat fitrah, Muslims will be more careful in distributing their zakat, so that it really reaches those who are entitled to receive it. (mustahik).

This is the most common and recommended method, where individuals can donate food items such as rice, wheat, or dates. This food distribution aims to help those in need and ensure that all segments of society can celebrate the holiday well.

Some people choose to pay zakat fitrah in cash so that recipients can purchase necessities ahead of Eid. However, it's important to accurately calculate the amount paid to ensure it equates to the food costs. The amount paid as zakat fitrah must also meet the specified requirements and not fall below the minimum amount set by local authorities.

In addition, zakat fitrah can also be paid through zakat collection institutionsThis way, individuals or families can more easily fulfill their obligations without having to handle distribution directly. Zakat collection institutions typically have an organized system to ensure that zakat fitrah is distributed to those who deserve it.

In order for the zakat fitrah paid to be valid and accepted, there are several conditions that must be met, such as: intention clear, the right time to pay is before Eid prayer, as well as the amount in accordance with applicable regulations. Complying with these requirements is essential to fulfill the requirements of the Shari'a.

Benefits and Impacts of Zakat Fitrah for Society

Zakat fitrah plays an important role in building community welfare. By distributing zakat fitrah, then the existing fortune can be spread more evenly, so that those less fortunate will receive the assistance they need. This not only provides material support but also provides a sense of recognition and appreciation for zakat recipients, who often struggle to meet their basic needs.

Furthermore, zakat fitrah also serves to increase social awareness among others. By fulfilling this obligation, individuals will be more motivated to pay attention to their surrounding environment. This action fosters closeness between individuals and others, fosters greater empathy, and fosters closer communities.

When Muslims realize their responsibility in giving zakat, this will encourage collaboration and support between individuals in solving social problems that exist in society.

This is a guide to paying zakat al-fitr, both in terms of its legality, timing, and distribution. May we be among those who are experts in zakat, protected from harm and the loss of the blessings of our wealth. Amen

And Allah knows best

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