Sadatul Fitr

• June 19, 2015
• Author: by SBNY

What is Sadaqatul Fitr? (Zakat ul Fitr)

Ibn Abbas (RA) has narrated that Rasûlullâh SAW prescribed Sadaqatul Fitr as an obligatory duty in order to purify those who fast, from useless and obscene activities and to provide food for the poor. (Abu Dawood)

Sadaqatul Fitr has been stipulated by Rasulullah (SAW) in authentic Ahadith.  The Sahabah (RA) and later the Jurists adapted the stipulations according to the needs of the time.

Abdullah Ibn Umar RA is reported to have said; “Rasulullah (SAW) instructed us to give Sadaqatul Fitr, 1 Sa’ (a measure used at the time of Rasulullah SAW) of dates or 1 Sa’ of barley.  Abdullâh Ibn Umar RA mentions that the Sahabâh (RA) later gave 2 Mud (½ Sa’) of wheat in place of dates and barley.

(Bukhari 1511 and Muslim 7232)

How much Sadaqatul Fitr should one give?

According to the aforementioned Hadîth it is clear that a person should give either 1 Sa’ of dates, 1 Sa’ of barley or ½ Sa’ of wheat.  Ibn Al-Humâm says that for everything besides wheat, one should give 1 Sa’ and for wheat he should give ½ Sa’.  He further states that this view is shared by Mu’awiyah, Tâ’us, Sa’id Ibn Musayyab, Ibn Zubair, Sa’id Ibn Jubair and all the Sahabah and Tabi’n (RHA). (Fathul Qadîr, Volume 2, Page 228)

An advice for the affluent Muslims

Since the prescribed amount of Sadaqatul Fitr for an individual is half a Sa’ of wheat, which currently equals to $6.00, it is very minimal for the well-to-do.  Therefore, affluent people are advised to get more and more Thawaab (reward) by paying a sum equal in value to a full Sa’ (7.5lbs) of dates, raisins or barley.  This will earn them huge Thawaab (reward) and will immensely benefit the needy.

Hadith:

Abdullah bin Abbas (R.A) said in a Khutbah (in Basra-Iraq) that Rasoolullah (S.A.W) has declared Sadaqatul Fitr to be of equal to one Sa’ of dates or barley or half a Sa’ of wheat mandatory for all men & women whether free or slave, young or old.  But when Ali (R.A) visited Basra and observed that wheat is really cheap in the local market,  he (R.A) announced that since Allah (S.W.T) has made you wealthy, it would be better for you to pay Sadaqatul Fitr according to one full Sa’ of everything .(Sunan Abi Dawood)

Therefore it is deduced that affluent and wealthy individuals should pay the added value for Sadaqatul Fitr.

 

Amount of Sadaqatul Fitr based on the New York retail market rates as of 24th  of Sha’ban 1436, corresponding to June 12, 2015:

1. Wheat: Half Sa’  (3.75 lbs.) = $6.00/-   (One Sa’ will be $12.00)

 

1. Barley: One Sa’ (7.5 lbs.) = $12.00/-

 

1. Raisins: One Sa’ (7.5 lbs.) = $23.00/-

 

1. Dates: One Sa’ (7.5 lbs.) = $32.00/-

 

Commonly Asked Questions

Question:

What is wrong with giving more than the stipulated amount?

Answer:

It is incorrect to stipulate an amount which is not in-line with Shari’ah.  It is important for the committees of Masajid to state what the Sharee amount is.  However after knowing the Sharee amount, if then people wish to give more, than it is permitted.

Question:

Why do Sadaqatul Fitr figures vary so much in our Masajid?

Answer:

The varying amounts show that there is a lot of ignorance in this issue.  The purpose of the leaflet is to educate the masses as to how to calculate the value of Sadaqatul Fitr.

Question:

Is it correct to give the value of dates rather than wheat?

Answer:

It is correct to give the value of dates (and barley) according to Imâm Abu Hanifah and Imam Abu Yûsuf (RA).  However the price of dates is very high.  Therefore if the value of dates is given, one will be paying $32.00 per head.

Question: 

 Every year my father pays Sadaqatul Fitr on Eid day on behalf of myself, my wife and my son. Is this okay?  Someone told me that I should pay from my own pocket because I am earning. Could you please clarify?

Answer:

It is true that you should pay the Sadaqatul Fitr yourself.  However, if you requested your father to pay or your father informed you that he will pay and you consented, then that will suffice.