Correct Timing and Obligation of Giving Sadaqat al-Fitr

By: Ubaidullah Tahir (Hafizahullah)

Obligation of Sadaqat al-Fitr​

❀ Narrated Abdullah ibn Umar (RA):
The Messenger of Allah (PBUH) prescribed Sadaqat al-Fitr, which is one Sa’ of dates or one Sa’ of barley, as an obligation upon every Muslim, whether free or enslaved, male or female.
[Bukhari 1504, Muslim 983]

❀ Narrated Qais ibn Sa’d (RA):
The Prophet (PBUH) enjoined Sadaqat al-Fitr before Zakat became obligatory. After the obligation of Zakat, he neither commanded nor prohibited giving Sadaqat al-Fitr, and we continued giving it.
[Nasai 2507, Ibn Majah 1828, Sahih]

Note: The majority of scholars agree that Sadaqat al-Fitr is obligatory. While the second narration may seem ambiguous, scholars like Imam Bayhaqi affirm that the obligation of Zakat did not nullify the requirement of Sadaqat al-Fitr. Hence, neglecting it is not permissible.
The majority of scholars label it as "Fard," while Hanafis call it "Wajib." This terminological difference does not affect its obligatory nature. Failing to give it despite having the means is sinful.

Who Must Pay Sadaqat al-Fitr?​

1. Sadaqat al-Fitr is obligatory on every Muslim, young or old, male or female, free or enslaved.
2. The head of the household must pay on behalf of themselves and their dependents, including:
   • Spouse
   • Children
   • Elderly parents (if they cannot afford it themselves).
3. Employees or servants are responsible for their own Sadaqat al-Fitr, though their employer may give it on their behalf as a gesture of goodwill.
4. Pregnant women: Paying Sadaqat al-Fitr on behalf of an unborn child is recommended but not obligatory, as practiced by Uthman (RA).

Purpose of Sadaqat al-Fitr​

❀ Narrated Abdullah ibn Abbas (RA):
The Messenger of Allah (PBUH) prescribed Sadaqat al-Fitr to purify the fasting person from idle and obscene speech and to provide food for the needy. Whoever pays it before the Eid prayer, it will be accepted as Zakat. Whoever pays it after the prayer, it is merely ordinary charity.
[Abu Dawood 1609, Ibn Majah 1827, Hasan]

Amount of Sadaqat al-Fitr​

❀ Narrated Abu Sa’id al-Khudri (RA):
We used to give one Sa’ of food, barley, dates, dried yogurt, or raisins as Sadaqat al-Fitr during the time of the Prophet (PBUH).
[Bukhari 1506, Muslim 985:17]

❀ Narrated Abu Sa’id al-Khudri (RA):
During the Prophet’s time, we gave one Sa’ per person of these staple foods. However, when Muawiyah (RA) ruled, he suggested that two Mudd of Syrian wheat be equivalent to one Sa’ of dates, and people followed that. Yet, I continued giving one Sa’ as I did before.
[Bukhari 1508, Muslim 958:18]

Note:

• A Sa’ is a measure of volume, approximately equal to 2.176 kilograms of wheat. Other grains and foods are measured accordingly.
• Modern scholars suggest estimating based on local staples like rice or flour.
• Cash Payments:
  • Majority: Cash is not permissible, as the Sunnah specifies certain food items.
  • Hanafis: Permissible, as it better addresses the needs of the poor by allowing them to fulfill their priorities.

Timing for Sadaqat al-Fitr​

❀ Narrated Abdullah ibn Umar (RA):
The Messenger of Allah (PBUH) instructed the payment of Sadaqat al-Fitr before people leave for the Eid prayer.
[Bukhari 1509, Muslim 986]

❀ Narrated Abdullah ibn Umar (RA):
The Companions used to pay it one or two days before Eid.
[Bukhari 1511]

Note:

• It becomes obligatory after sunset on the last day of Ramadan and must be paid before the Eid prayer.
• However, it can be paid earlier during Ramadan to facilitate the distribution to the needy.

Conclusion​

Sadaqat al-Fitr is a mandatory charity that purifies the fast, supports the needy, and ensures no one is deprived on Eid. Muslims must strive to give it punctually and thoughtfully, fulfilling their obligation in accordance with the Sunnah.