Cii Radio| Ayesha Ismail|04 May 2018| 17 Shabaan 1439
Do you have a question on zakaah or need some clarity on the important pillar of Islam?
Then why not visit the SANZAF website for information zakaah related. You can even have your own zakaah related question answered online by leading Ulema. Submit your question to to thirdpillar@sanzaf.org.za
Click here to be directed to the SANZAF website.
Below are a few of the frequently asked questions on zakaah from the SANZAF website. Click here for more Faqs on zakaah.
WHAT IS THE MEANING OF ZAKÁTUL-FITR (FITRAH)?
An amount of food based on the equivalent money value of food for one person to be distributed to the destitute and needy after the successful completion of one’s fast during the month of Ramadhán.
WHAT IS FIDYAH?
Fidyah – a compensation to be paid by a person who, for a good reason e.g. serious illness or permanent disability, is unable to fast during the month of Ramadhán
WHEN DOES ZAKÁTUL-FITR (FITRAH) BECOME PAYABLE?
According to Imám Sháfi, Zakátul-Fitr (Fitrah) may be given from the first day of Ramadhán. According to Imám Abu Hanifah, Zakátul-Fitr (Fitrah) may be given even before Ramadhán. According to Imám Malik and Imám Ahmad, Zakátul-Fitr (Fitrah) may be given a day or two before Eid. It is clear, however, from the Hadith narrated by Ibn Abbas that Zakátul-Fitr (Fitrah) must be discharged before the Eid Salaah for it to be valid and accepted.
WHO MUST GIVE ZAKÁTUL-FITR (FITRAH)?
Zakátul-Fitr (Fitrah) is compulsory on every Muslim who has sufficient for himself and his family or dependents for the day of Eid. He should discharge his Fitrah in respect of himself and all those who are dependent upon him such as his wife, his children and Muslim helpers.
TO WHOM CAN ZAKÁTUL-FITR (FITRAH) BE GIVEN?
Zakátul-Fitr (Fitrah) must be given to the destitute and needy in terms of Surah 9 Verse 60. It may not be given to one’s mother, father, paternal and maternal grandparents, great-great grandparents, etc. Similarly it may not be given to one’s offspring such as sons, daughters, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, etc.
WHAT IS MEANT BY THE RATE OF ZAKÁH?
Zakáh is payable and calculated at a fixed rate of one fortieth or 2.5 % on the possession of wealth in the form of gold, silver, merchandise and cash by a person who possesses the Nisáb (the minimum amount of wealth which makes one liable to pay Zakáh). Household effects such as furniture, crockery, personal clothing etc. are generally exempted from the application of Zakáh.