Zakah Questions & Answers
NOTE: Depending on the nature and complexity of your question, we will endevour to reply within 72 hours. It is important that you leave a forwarding e-mail address as we may need to correspond further for clarity and details.
What is the meaning of Fidyah?
Fidyah - a compensation to be paid by a person who, for a good reason e.g. serious illness or permanent disability, is unable to fast during the month of Ramadhán
When does Zakátul-Fitr (Fitrah) become payable?
According to Imám Sháfi, Zakátul-Fitr (Fitrah) may be given from the first day of Ramadhán. According to Imám Abu Hanifah, Zakátul-Fitr (Fitrah) may be given even before Ramadhán. According to Imám Malik and Imám Ahmad, Zakátul-Fitr (Fitrah) may be given a day or two before Eid. It is clear, however, from the Hadith narrated by Ibn Abbas that Zakátul-Fitr (Fitrah) must be discharged before the Eid Salaah for it to be valid and accepted.
To whom can Zakátul-Fitr (Fitrah) be given?
Zakátul-Fitr (Fitrah) must be given to the destitute and needy in terms of Surah 9 Verse 60. It may not be given to one's mother, father, paternal and maternal grandparents, great-great grandparents, etc. Similarly it may not be given to one's offspring such as sons, daughters, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, etc.
Who must give Zakátul-Fitr (Fitrah)?
Zakátul-Fitr (Fitrah) is compulsory on every Muslim who has sufficient for himself and his family or dependents for the day of Eid. He should discharge his Fitrah in respect of himself and all those who are dependent upon him such as his wife, his children and Muslim helpers.
What is the meaning of Zakátul-Fitr (Fitrah)?
An amount of food based on the equivalent money value of food for one person to be distributed to the destitute and needy after the successful completion of one's fast during the month of Ramadhán.
What is meant by the rate of Zakáh?
Zakáh is payable and calculated at a fixed rate of one fortieth or 2.5 % on the possession of wealth in the form of gold, silver, merchandise and cash by a person who possesses the Nisáb (the minimum amount of wealth which makes one liable to pay Zakáh). Household effects such as furniture, crockery, personal clothing etc. are generally exempted from the application of Zakáh.
What is the meaning of Nisáb?
Nisáb is a minimum amount of wealth which makes one liable to pay Zakáh. The person who possesses an amount equal to or greater than this specified minimum wealth, which remains in his or her possession for a period of one year is considered wealthy enough to pay the Zakáh.
Could you please give us a very basic definition of Zakáh?
Literally, Zakáh means purification, growth, righteousness and blessing. Technically it means to purify one's possession of wealth by distributing a specific amount to the deserving in terms of Surah 9 Verse 60 in the holy Qurán.