Zakat al-Fitr is of the two obligatory charities enjoined upon Muslims. It was legislated with the fasting of Ramadan in 2AH. Based on this, we understand that Zakat al-Fitr was actually legislated before Zakat al-Maal.
Imam Wakee’ ibn al-Jarrah رحمه الله said, “The parable of Zakat al-Fitr is to the (blessed month) month of Ramadan like the prostration of forgetfulness is to prayer. Zakat al-Fitr makes up for deficiencies in fasting just as the prostration (of forgetfulness) makes up for deficiencies in prayer.” [Tareekh Baghdad]
This book covers:
- What is Zakat al-Fitr?
- Whom Does it Benefit?
- Who Needs to Pay it?
- When is it Due?
- Where Should it be Paid?
- What Should be Paid?
- The Flip Side: Paying Zakat al-Fitr In Cash