Sadaqatul Fitr – Q & A
A. Sadaqatul Fitr is Waajib (Fataawa Hindiyyah)
Q. On whom is Sadaqatul Fitr Waajib (compulsory)?
A. Sadaqatul Fitr is Waajib on every Muslim who has the value of Nisaab on the day of Eid after subtracting debts.
A. Yes, Sadaqatul Fitr will have to be discharged on their behalf by their guardian. If they have their own savings then it could be discharged from their money. Q. To whom can Sadaqatul Fitr be given?
A. Those people who do not have Zakaat Nisaab and are considered poor. Q. When can Sadaqatul Fitr be discharged?
A. Sadaqatul Fitr can be discharged before the day of Eid.
Q. What is the deadline for discharging Sadaqatul Fitr?
A. Sadaqatul Fitr should be discharged before the Eid Salaah. If one fails to do so it should be discharged as soon as possible.
Q. Does Sadaqatul Fitr necessarily have to be discharged in cash?
A. No, one can give food etc. to the value of Sadaqatul Fitr.
Q. What is the significance of Sadaqatul Fitr?
A. Sadaqatul Fitr a Sunnah of Rasulullah (sallallahu alayhi wa sallam) and an opportunity to ease the plight of those in need.
Q. What is the consequence for those who do not discharge Sadaqatul Fitr?
A. Rasulullah (sallallahu alayhi wa sallam) said, the fast remains suspended between the heavens and the earth until Sadaqatul Fitr is discharged. (Targhib)
Q. What is the best method of discharging Sadaqatul Fitr i.e. should I give it to an organisation or individual?
A. It is preferable to pursue the needy and hand it to them personally. However it also permissible to hand it to an organisation provided the organisation discharges it timeously.
Q. What is the position of my Sadaqatul Fitr if I handed it to an organisation that discharged it long after the prescribed time?
A. By giving your Sadaqatul Fitr to an organisation you have appointed them wakeel (representative) on your behalf to discharge your Fitrah. Your fitrah will only be discharged when the organisation distributes the money. Default from their side will be considered a default on your path. It is thus advisable that you query from the organisation as to when and how they discharge their funds.
Q. I did not discharge Sadaqatul Fitr timeously. What should I do?
A. Discharge it as soon as possible.
