Definition of Zakat Fitrah, The Law and The Recipient Group

Zakat fitrah is a type of mandatory zakat that Muslims must issue during Ramadan until approaching Eid al-Fitr. Let’s see the Legal Terms and Groups of Zakat Fitrah Recipients below.

Zakat fitrah is a type of mandatory zakat that Muslims must issue during Ramadan until approaching Eid al-Fitr. The form of zakat fitrah is generally in the form of staple foods, such as rice, cooking oil, sugar, and so on. However, some pay zakat fitrah in the form of money to then spend it in the form of necessities. The purpose of holding zakat fitrah is 2, namely for others and oneself.

The first benefit of zakat fitrah is that donors play a role in helping the poor and other groups in need to be able to make ends meet during the fasting month. Not only that, but zakat fitrah also functions as a cleanser of treasures and the soul of the zakat giver. Thus, donors’ treasures will also provide blessings and peace of mind. Here is a complete review of the law and the groups of people entitled to receive zakat fitrah.

Zakat Fitrah Law

What is the law of zakat fitrah? For a Muslim who is already akil baligh, be it a man or a woman, it will be subject to mandatory law to pay zakat fitrah. For further details, a person must pay zakat fitrah if s/he is a free Muslim (not a slave or sahaya servant ) and has sufficient property. Zakat fitrah is also charged to people who have excess food at night or during the day during Eid al-Fitr.

Not only that, if someone dies at the end of Ramadan, then zakat fitrah will still be charged to him. Likewise, if there is a baby born before sunset at the end of the month of Ramadan. Then, he will also be charged zakat fitrah fees. For a head of household, the obligation to pay zakat fitrah does not apply only to himself. Instead, it is also reserved for his wife and children.  

Amount of Zakat Fitrah

It differs from the practice of almsgiving, which does not set a certain amount, zakat fitrah has its provisions that must be obeyed. For donors who want to pay zakat fitrah, they can provide basic foodstuffs, such as rice, wheat, corn, and so on. The amount of zakat in the item is about 2.5 kilograms. It is also permissible for those who want to give alms in the form of money. The nominal zakat fitrah in the form of money is usually calculated based on the price of the basic goods of rice or other staples that were in force at that time.

Zakat Fitrah Recipients

To bring the expected benefits, donors need to understand the groups entitled to this zakat fitrah. The groups of people who are entitled to receive zakat fitrah are:

  • The fakirs (a Class of people who have almost nothing and have difficulty making ends meet)
  • The poor (Class of people who have few assets but not enough to meet basic daily needs)
  •  Amil (The group that collects and distributes zakat fitrah)
  • Converts (Groups who have recently converted to Islam, and certainly need help from various things to strengthen the faith)
  • Riqab (A group of slaves or sahaya servants who want to liberate themselves)
  • Gharimin (The group that owes money to make ends meet and to maintain its izzah)
  • Fisabilillah (The group that jihads in the way of Allah, both in proselytizing and studying)
  • Ibn Sabil (A group of travelers who run out of money in the middle of the journey to strengthen their obedience to God)

That is a review of the meaning of zakat fitrah, the law, and the groups of people entitled to receive it. For donors who want to pay zakat fitrah but are hindered by time, they can distribute it online through the Dompet Dhuafa service. Dompet Dhuafa has been a trusted charitable organization for 29 years and will help distribute zakat fitrah as well as zakat and other alms (sedekah) to people in need. The transparent zakat distribution process also guarantees that you can make a difference comfortably.