Zakat al-Fitr plays a crucial role in Islam by promoting social justice, compassion, and solidarity within the Muslim community. It serves as a means of spiritual purification, gratitude, and assistance to those in need, thereby fostering a sense of shared responsibility and brotherhood among believers.
Zakat al-Fitr, also known as Fitrana or Sadaqat al-Fitr, holds significant importance in Islam and offers various benefits:
1. Purification of Wealth: Zakat al-Fitr serves as a means of purifying one's wealth by giving a small portion of it to those in need. It helps cleanse one's possessions from any impurities and blessings from Allah.
2. Spiritual Cleansing: By giving Zakat al-Fitr, Muslims purify their souls and attain spiritual cleansing. It fosters a sense of empathy and compassion towards the less fortunate, leading to personal growth and spiritual development.
3. Gratitude and Thankfulness: Paying Zakat al-Fitr at the end of Ramadan is an expression of gratitude to Allah for enabling Muslims to complete the month of fasting. It is a way of acknowledging His blessings and showing appreciation for His guidance and mercy.
4. Assistance to the Needy: Zakat al-Fitr provides immediate assistance to the less fortunate members of the community, particularly those who may struggle to afford food and basic necessities. It ensures that everyone can partake in the joyous celebration of Eid al-Fitr without facing hunger or deprivation.
5. Fostering Unity and Brotherhood: The collection and distribution of Zakat al-Fitr foster a sense of unity and brotherhood among Muslims. It strengthens bonds within the community as individuals come together to support one another and share in the blessings of Eid.
6. Protection from Sin: Paying Zakat al-Fitr is an obligation upon every eligible Muslim. Fulfilling this duty helps protect one from the sin of neglecting a mandatory act of worship and ensures accountability before Allah.
7. Prevention of Begging: By providing for the needs of the less fortunate through Zakat al-Fitr, Islam aims to prevent begging and alleviate the economic hardships faced by vulnerable individuals and families.
Note: You can add cash as sadaqah to the foodstuff you’re giving out but it is not wajib (compulsory).
Beneficiaries of zakat al fitr are; the poor and the needy (regardless of whether they are your relatives in as much their feeding is not ‘wajib’ on you).
My Brethren! Give zakat al fitr out of foodstuff that you will be happy to collect if you are in the position of the poor. “O you who have believed, spend from the good things which you have earned and from that which We have produced for you from the earth. And do not aim toward the defective therefrom, spending [from that] while you would not take it [yourself] except with closed eyes. And know that Allah is Free of need and Praiseworthy. (Q2:267).
So, give what will make the receiver happy; you will get the reward, and you’re reviving the authentic sunnah of the Prophet Sallallahu ‘alaih wasalam because the receiver will feel your sincere obedience to Allah and His Messenger sallallaahu ‘alaihi wasallam by getting what will benefit or useful to them for that period.
All praise is due to Allah we ask Him to bless the Prophet Sallah Llah Alei Wasalam and let's die on the path of Qur'an and Sunnah.