Networking through Operation Fitrah!

In keeping with the established Sunnah of the Prophet (SAW) and our overall objectives, SANZAF established as early as 1974 an annual campaign, namely Operation Fitrah as a vehicle through which Muslims are encouraged to pay their Zakatul-Fitr.

Today, Operation Fitrah, which involves the collection, co-ordination and distribution of Zakátul-Fitr represents one of the most important annual poor relief projects undertaken by SANZAF, and it has markedly grown in importance.

The success of Operation Fitrah lies in meticulous planning and research, and the co-operation of Mosques in the greater South Africa. The programme, which is carried out over a three-month period includes individual assessments of families and a home visit to verify the eligibility of recipients. Referrals from other agencies are also considered. Given the current high unemployment rate and the spiralling cost of living, these cases run into thousands.

Advantages of organised collection and distribution of Fitrah

Over the years, SANZAF, especially in the Western Cape has recorded phenomenal success both in terms of its planning and approach in co-ordinating Operation Fitrah. It has been adequately demonstrated that if organised collection and distribution of Fitrah - and by extension other community programmes - are coordinated or undertaken in partnership, the scarce resources of the Ummah could be put to better use.

The benefits that such joint collaboration brings vis-a-vis Zakátul-Fitr are:

    * Each Masjid operates within a demarcated area.
    * Duplications are eliminated, i.e. applicants do not receive more than one Fitrah parcel.
    * More poor and needy families are reached.
    * Professional beggars who take advantage of the occasion are identified and rooted out.

SANZAF and Masjid Committees are able to combine knowledge, experience and resources resulting in an efficient and effective Fitrah distribution campaign.

SANZAF's human resource, infra-structure and the co-operation of Masjid committees in certain areas have enabled it to provide groceries, poultry, vegetables and clothing from your Zakátul-Fitr to tens of thousands of needy persons during Ramadaan 1430 / 2009

Any Masjid Committee or organisation involved in the collection and distribution of Zakátul-Fitr is welcome to participate in SANZAF's Operation Fitrah campaign.

FITRAH AT A GLANCE

Zakátul-Fitr, which is sometimes called Sadaqátul-Fitr, became obligatory in the second year of the Hijra, at the same time the fast of Ramadhán was made obligatory. Ibn 'Abbas says, "The Prophet (SAW) imposed Zakátul-Fitr as a purification of the person who fasts and as a food provision for the needy."

Jurists are unanimous that Zakátul-Fitr, whether in cash or kind, should be discharged before the 'Id Salaah so as to allow the poor an opportunity to make use of it. This is in keeping with the Hadith of the Prophet (SAW): "Satisfy them (the poor) on this day." Zakátul-Fitr can be given to non-Muslims as well. However, due consideration and priority should first be given to the poor among the Muslim.

Distinct from other forms ofZakáh, Zakátul-Fitr is levied on persons and not on wealth or income. Ibn 'Umar reports, "The Prophet (SAW) imposed the Zakáh of breaking the fast of Ramadhán, making it one sa' of dates, or one sa' of barley, on every Muslim, free or slave, male or female.

A sa' represents a volume measure of 2.75 litres (or 2,176 kg) of wheat. It is not a weight measure. Thus any food item, either heavier or lighter than wheat should fill a container with the capacity to hold 2,75 litres (or 2.176 kg). It is however recommended that the staple food of the region be considered when assigning a monetary value to the amount of Zakatul-Fitr, in which case the cash equivalent of the item may also be given.

All SANZAF offices collect Zakátul-Fitr and pledge to distribute it among our recipients in the form of food items before the day of Eid.

However, we appeal to all Muslims to cooperate and ensure that your Zakátul-Fitr reaches us before the 29th fast of Ramadhán so that we may coordinate our distribution among the needy more efficiently.

For more information please contact your local SANZAF office at Contact us.

FITRAH VALUES - RAMADHAN 2009

The Fitrah values differ by region as they are based on the retail value of the specified items used to calculate the Fitrah amounts. The values should be treated as minimum values and people are encouraged to pay more. Remember that Fitrah is payable for EVERY member of the household, young or old, fasting or not. On the other hand, Fidyah is a compensation to be paid by a person who, for good reason e.g. serious illness, permanent disability or old age, is unable to fast during the month of Ramadhán.

Fitrah Values:          Hanafi              Shafi

Eastern Cape    =     R19.00           R26.00 

Gauteng Prov    =     R17.50           R22.50 

KwaZulu-Natal  =     R15.00

Northern Cape  =     R19.00           R25.00 

Western Cape  =                             R25.00 

 How to Calculate Fitrah

The Issue of Fidyah [Expiation]

Fidyah - a compensation to be paid by a person who, for good reason e.g. serious illness, permanent disability or old age, is unable to fast during the month of Ramadhán  

1.         Serious illness or permanent disability

Allah Says: “… And upon those who are able [to fast, but with hardship] - a ransom [as substitute] of feeding a poor person [each day] … “[Al-Baqarah, 2:184] 

Ibn ‘Abbas said: “It was permitted for the very elderly man (or woman) to feed a poor person for every day (that he did not fast), and he did not have to make up for the days.” [Ad-Daraqutni andAl-Hakim]

For the Q&A below, you may click on the links below or on the Zakah menu above