Zakat

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Zakat

 

The fidyah (ransom) for those exempt from fasting and the method of paying it

 

Those who are unable to fast the month of Ramadan, nor are they able to make up the fasts after it – either due to old age or due to a chronic (permanent) illness – are required to pay a fidyah instead of fasting, as Allah states: ‘’And upon those who are able [to fast, but with hardship] – a ransom [as substitute] of feeding a poor person [each day]. And whoever volunteers excess – it is better for him. But to fast is best for you, if you only knew.’’ [Surat al-Baqarah:184]

Al-Bukhari (4505) narrates that ibn ‘Abbas (r) said concerning this verse: ‘’It is not abrogated. It relates to the old man or woman who are unable to fast, so they break their fast and feed one poor person in the place of each (missed) day.’’ The one who is chronically ill takes the same ruling as what ibn ‘Abbas (r) mentioned.

The amount of the fidyah is as in Allah’s statemen: ‘’a ransom of feeding a poor person.’’ Therefore, a meal is to be donated (or its equivalent amount in money) for thirty days or the number of days of fasting missed. The amount may differ from place to place with the variations in prices, so every year the cost of this meal is to be calculated. This can then be donated to one poor person or several poor people.

It is also allowed to do what Anas ibn Malik (r) used to do: ‘’when he became too weak to fast one year, he prepared a plate of food and called thirty poor people to feed them.’’ Narrated by al-Daraqutni and it is authentic.

Al-Bukhari (may Allah have mercy on him) said in his Sahih: ‘’As for the old man if he is unable to fast, then when Anas got too old to fast one year he would feed a poor person bread and meat each day, and he would break his fast.’’

The Fatwa Committee – UK

3rd of Ramadan 1438 AH (29/05/2017)

 

 

 

 

 

 

The amount of Zakat and the method of calculation

 

Whoever’s wealth reaches the nisab (threshold), which is equivalent to 85 grams of pure gold (24 carat), and a whole lunar year passes (with this wealth in his possession), then it is obligatory upon such a person to pay 2.5% of their wealth. This also differs based on the changes in the price of gold.

For example: the cost of one gram of gold in GBP on the 2nd of Ramadan 1438 AH was (£) 31.80 GBP. Based on this the threshold would be 31.80 multiplied by 85, which is (£) 2,703 GBP. Therefore, whoever owns (at least) this amount and a (lunar) year passes since ownership, must pay 2.5% (of their money) in Zakat.

The Fatwa Committee – UK

3rd of Ramadan 1438 AH (29/05/2017)

 

 

 

 

 

 

The amount of Zakatu-l Fitr and the method of payment

 

Regarding the amount of Zakatu-l Fitr, it was narrated in Bukhari and Muslim from Abu Sa’eed al-Khudri (may Allah be pleased with him): ‘’we used to give it in the time of the Messenger (peace be upon him) a Sa’ of food or one Sa’ of dates or one Sa’ of barley or one Sa’ of Raisins (dried grapes).’’

These were the standard foods of the Muslims in those days. Therefore, what is obligatory is to give a Sa’ of a standard food of the land (or country), according to the Sa’ of the Messenger (peace be upon him), which is four pairs of the average handful, which is roughly 3kg in weight. Thus, if a Muslim gives a Sa’ of rice for instance, or another standard food of the land, then that suffices them. There is also no harm in giving its equivalent amount in weight, which is about 3kg.

Similarly, there is no harm in giving what equates to the above in money, by calculating for instance the cost of 3kg of rice on average. These days, a kilo of rice on average costs between £1.5 and £2. Zakatu-l Fitr would then be between £4.50 and £6.

The Fatwa Committee – UK

3rd of Ramadan 1438 AH (29/05/2017)