The Prophet (peace be upon him) said:
“Know this! Verily, Sadakatul Fitr is obligatory (Fard) upon every Muslim.”
Sadakatul Fitr is a form of charity that becomes obligatory upon us on the day of Eid-ul-Fitr (the festival of breaking the fast), after completing the Ramadan fasts.
It is obligatory (Wajib) to calculate the number of people in the family—including a newborn baby born on that day—and distribute the amount specified by Islamic scholars (Ulama) according to one’s respective Madhab (school of jurisprudence) to the poor. This is a matter that requires careful attention and action.
The Purpose of Fitr
Hazrat Ibn Abbas (radiyallahu anhu) narrated that the Prophet (peace be upon him) made Sadakatul Fitr obligatory upon the Ummah because it acts as an expiation (Kaffarah) to purify a fasting person from any shortcomings, such as vain talk or indecent behavior committed during the fast.
Key Rules and Guidelines
- Who to count: You must calculate the amount for everyone under your care, including your wife, children, and parents.
- Priority: Giving it to poor individuals among your own relatives is highly meritorious.
- Timing: It must be given before the Eid prayer. If poor relatives live in another town, the Fitr can be sent to them ahead of Eid day so that it reaches them in time.
- Who not to give it to: It cannot be given to one’s own mother, father, wife, or children (dependents).
- Who to give it to: It can be given to one’s impoverished siblings, relatives, and the needy.