بِسْمِ ٱللّٰهِ ٱلرَّحْمٰنِ ٱلرَّحِيمِ
What is Fitra and what are some important rules concerning it?
. Sadaqatul Fitr, commonly known as FITRA, is a compulsory Sadaqa (charity) which becomes an obligation upon every Muslim – male or female, adult or minor, who owns the Nisaab of Zakaat – as soon as Subh Saadiq begins on the day of Eid.
According to Hanafi Fiqh, the minimum amount of Fitra to be given is half Sa’a (a measurement equivalent to approximately 2 kg’s) of wheat or 1 Sa’a of dates, raisins or barley, or the equivalent value of the above-mentioned items. To give more than the minimum amount in Fitra is indeed praiseworthy but the obligation of Fitra will be completed by the minimum amount.
People generally give Fitra on the calculation of wheat but if one has the financial means and wishes to give Fitra as per the other items mentioned or their monetary value, it is indeed permissible and meritorious.
The Masaarif (worthy recipients) of Fitra are the same as Zakaat i.e. poor and needy Muslims who are not Saahib-e-Nisaab.
It is permissible to put your Fitra amount in collection boxes as practiced in some Masaajid provided the people responsible dispense of it timeously adhering to the rules of Shariah. Fitra cannot be used as Lillah funds in a Musjid or given to non-Muslims.
FIDYA is the compensation one who is excused from fasting is obliged to dispense. Fidya’s Masaarif are the same as Fitra and the Fidya for each missed day of fast is the same as the amount of Fitra.
Fitra should ideally be given before the Eid Salaah as it serves a purifier of our Saum (fasts) and helps the poor and needy in the spirit of Eid’s happiness.
(General books of Hadeeth and Fiqh)
And Allah and His Rasool know best.
Darul Iftaa
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