SADAQAT-UL-FITR
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WHAT IS SADAQAT-UL-FITR? (ZAKAT-UL-FITR)
Ibn Abbas (RA) has narrated that Rasûlullâh SAW prescribed Sadaqat-ul-Fitr as an obligatory duty in order to purify those who fast, from useless and obscene activities and to provide food for the poor. (Abu Dawood 1609)
Sadaqat-ul-Fitr has been stipulated by Rasûlullâh (SAW) in authentic Hadith. The Sahabah (RA) and later the Jurists adapted the stipulations according to the needs of the time.
Abdullah Ibn Umar RA is reported to have said; “Rasûlullâh (SAW) instructed us to give Sadaqat-ul-Fitr, 1 Sa’ (a measure used at the time of Rasûlullâh SAW) of dates or 1 Sa’ of barley. Abdullah Ibn Umar RA mentions that the Sahabâh (RA) later gave 2 Mud (½ Sa’) of wheat in place of dates and barley. (Bukhari 1511 and Muslim 7232)
Sadaqat-ul-Fitr should be paid only to a person who is entitled to receive Zakah.
HOW MUCH SADAQAT-UL-FITR SHOULD ONE GIVE?
According to the aforementioned Hadith it is clear that a person should give either 1 Sa’ of dates, 1 Sa’ of barley or ½ Sa’ of wheat. Ibn Al-Humâm says that for everything besides wheat, one should give 1 Sa’ and for wheat he should give ½ Sa’. He further states that this view is shared by Mu’awiyah, Tâ’us, Sa’id Ibn Musayyab, Ibn Zubair, Sa’id Ibn Jubair and all the Sahabah and Tabi’n (RHA). (Fathul Qadîr, Volume 2, Page 228)
AN ADVICE FOR THE AFFLUENT (WEALTHY) MUSLIMS
Since the prescribed amount of Sadaqat-ul-Fitr for an individual is half a Sa’ of wheat, which approximately equals to $10.00, it is very minimal for the well-to-do. Therefore, affluent (wealthy) people are advised to get more and more Thawaab (reward) by paying a sum equal in value to a full Sa’ (7.5 lbs) of dates, raisins or barley. This will earn them huge Thawaab (reward) and will immensely benefit the needy.
HADITH:
Abdullah bin Abbas (R.A) said in a Khutbah (in Basra-Iraq) that Rasûlullâh (S.A.W) has declared Sadaqat-ul-Fitr to be of equal to one Sa’ of dates or barley or half a Sa’ of wheat mandatory for all men & women whether free or slave, young or old. But when Ali (R.A) visited Basra and observed that wheat is really cheap in the local market, he (R.A) announced that since Allah (S.W.T) has made you wealthy, it would be better for you to pay Sadaqat-ul-Fitr according to one full Sa’ of everything. (Sunan Abi Dawood)
Therefore, it is deduced that affluent and wealthy individuals should pay the added value for Sadaqat-ul-Fitr.
CALCULATION (AMOUNT) OF SADAQAT-UL-FITR
Wheat: Half Sa’ (3.75 lbs.) → $….?
Barley: One Sa’ (7.5 lbs.) → $….?
Raisins: One Sa’ (7.5 lbs.) → $….?
Dates: One Sa’ (7.5 lbs.) → $….?
COMMONLY ASKED QUESTIONS
What is wrong with giving more than the stipulated amount?
It is incorrect to stipulate an amount which is not in-line with Shari’ah. It is important for the committees of Masajid to state what the Sharee amount is. However, after knowing the Sharee amount, if then people wish to give more, than it is permitted.
Why do Sadaqat-ul-Fitr figures vary so much in our Masajid?
The varying amounts are due to the differences in calculation. Some Masajids stipulate the minimum amount of Sadaqat-ul-Fitr (Half Sa’) while others recommend giving the higher amount of Sadaqat-ul-Fitr (One Sa’). The purpose of the leaflet is to educate the masses as to how to calculate the value of Sadaqat-ul-Fitr.
Is it correct to give the value of dates rather than wheat?
It is correct to give the value of dates (and barley), according to Imam Abu Hanifah and Imam Abu Yusuf (RA).
Every year my father pays Sadaqat-ul-Fitr on Eid day on behalf of myself, my wife and my son. Is this okay? Someone told me that I should pay from my own pocket because I am earning. Could you please clarify?
It is true that you should pay the Sadaqat-ul-Fitr yourself. However, if you requested your father to pay or your father informed you that he will pay and you consented, then that will suffice.