زكاة الفطر

What is it? An obligatory charity given at the end of Ramadan. Ibn 'Umar said: "The Messenger of Allah ﷺ prescribed zakat al-fitr: a ṣaa' of dates or a ṣaa' of barley, on every Muslim, free or slave, male or female, young or old, and he ordered that it be given before people go out to the (Eid) prayer." (Bukhari 1503, Muslim 984)

Why? Ibn 'Abbaas said it is "a purification for the one who fasted from idle and foul talk, and food for the poor" (Abu Dawud 1609, Ibn Majah 1827) [À VÉRIFIER : numéros et degré]. On the day of Eid, no one should go hungry.

Who gives it, and for whom? The head of the household gives it for himself and for those he supports (spouse, children…). For most scholars, it is owed by anyone who has, on the day and night of Eid, more than they need to feed themselves; for the Hanafi school, by anyone who owns the niṣaab (the zakat threshold) [À VÉRIFIER]. Many also give it, as a recommendation, for an unborn child.

How much? One ṣaa' per person: a measure of volume from the Prophet's ﷺ time (four times what two cupped hands hold), that is a few kilos of the country's staple food (dates, wheat, rice…). The exact equivalent in kilos varies with the food and the calculation [À VÉRIFIER : équivalent retenu par le centre].

In food or in money? The schools differ: • for the Maliki, Shafi'i and Hanbali schools, it is given in food, as in the hadith; • for the Hanafi school, the value may be given in money, if that is more useful to the poor person. Many centres in the West collect an amount in money and then buy or distribute according to needs. The year's amount is set and announced by the centre [À VÉRIFIER : pratique et montant du centre].

When? It must be given before the Eid prayer. The companions gave it one or two days before (Bukhari 1511). For the Shafi'i school, it may be given from the start of Ramadan [À VÉRIFIER]. Given after the prayer without excuse, it counts as ordinary charity, and the delay is a fault (meaning of Abu Dawud 1609).

To whom? To the poor and needy. Some scholars extend it to the other categories of zakat (9:60); most reserve it for the poor [À VÉRIFIER].

Understanding the lesson

Explanation Zakat al-fitr links personal worship (fasting) to solidarity. First, it makes up for the small shortcomings of our fast: idle words, moments of impatience. Second, it ensures that the day of Eid is a celebration for everyone, including those who have almost nothing.

It is asked of almost everyone, not only of the rich: the hadith mentions young and old alike. This shows that giving is not reserved for those who have a lot: everyone takes part, according to what is set.

The schools differ on several points: food or money, the conditions for owing it, the date from which it may be given, who may receive it. These differences rest on serious readings of the texts. In practice, the simplest thing is to follow the centre's arrangements (announced amount, deadline, distribution) and, for a personal question, to ask the imam.

The essential thing is not to give it too late: it must reach the poor before the Eid prayer.

Lessons to draw from it • Give zakat al-fitr on time, before the Eid prayer, and don't wait until the last minute. • Remember everyone you are responsible for (spouse, children…). • Follow the centre's practice and respect other practices, without making it a matter of dispute. • Make Eid a celebration for everyone, thinking also of those who are alone or in need.

Key points to remember • One sa' per person, prescribed for young and old, to be given before the Eid prayer (Bukhari 1503, Muslim 984). • A purification for the one who fasted and food for the poor. • The schools differ on the form (food or money), the conditions and the start date: the centre announces its practice.

The main message Zakat al-fitr purifies our fast and makes Eid a celebration where no one goes hungry.