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Lesson No 105 SADAQAT UL-FIT (Charity for end to Fasting or for Breaking the fast)
Ans. Fitr means "to break the fast" or "not to keep fast". Al-lah has ordained s Sadaqah (dole) on his servants to be given as thanksgiving for the end of fasting at the close of Ramadan. This is known as "Sadaqah-Fitr". And because of this happy occasion of the end of Ramadan fasting, the 選d falling on the first of the month after Ramadan is called the 選d-ul-Fitr. Q. For whom is the dole for breaking the fast a must? Ans. The dole for breaking the fast is compulsory for every Muslim who is free and is in possession of the minimum almsworthy capital.
Ans. The minimum prescribed capital for Sadaqah to be binding is the same as for Zakat e.g., 606 grams of silver or its value. But the difference between the two is that whereas Zakat becomes due only on silver, gold or merchandise, in the case of Sadaqah, capital in any form (if it is not less than that prescribed for Nisab) has to be taken into account. The precondition common to both the cases, however, is that the capital must be in excess of one痴 essential needs and free from all encumbrances of debt, etc. Thus, if a person has clothes, copper utensils or china ware, or he has some spare house or has other goods in excess of his essential needs and valued at more than the minimum limit for Nisab, he is exempted from payment of Zakat but not from Sadaqah. The ordained nature of Sadaqah is also irrespective of whether one year has elapsed over the capital in one痴 possession or not. Not only this, Sadaqah will fall due on a person even if he has come to possess the Nisab that very day.
Ans. Every person in possession of Nisab is duty-bound to pay Sadaqah in his own behalf as well as on behalf of his minor children. But if the minors are themselves the owners of capital, Sadaqah may be paid out of their capital.
Ans. No it is not. To the contrary, Sadaqah is ordained for anyone who is the owner of Nisab irrespective of whether he has fasted or not.
Ans. Sadaqah falls due on 選d morning just after the break of true down. There is no Sadaqah due from the property if a person who expired before true dawn. Sadaqah shall, however, be paid on behalf of a child who was born before the true dawn.
Ans. Yes, it is persmissible.
Ans. The best time would be in 選d day before proceeding for 選d prayers. Delaying it till after the 選d prayer is also permissible. It will, however, remain due as long as one has not paid it, no matter how much time has elapsed in the mean-time.
Ans. All kinds of foodgrain or cost thereof are allowed to be given for Sadaqah. If wheat or its flour is to be given, it must be given at the rate of 3 ｽ 1bs per head. If barley is to be given, it must be double that quantity, i.e. 7 1bs. If some foodgrain other than wheat or barley, (e.g. rice, millet etc.), is to be given, it must be given in quantities that are equivalent in value to that of 3 ｽ1b. wheat or 7 1b. barley. Q. Is it necessary to give the entire dole to one needy person or can it also be distributed among more than one? Ans. It can be given to more than one needy person. Similarly, doles on behalf of several persons can also be given to a single person.
Ans. Categories of people eligible to receive Zakat are also eligible to receive Sadaqah. Similarly, categories of people barred from receiving the Zakat are also barred from receiving the Sadaqah.
Ans. No, they are prohibited to receive either of them. They are in fact barred from receiving any commanded or ordained doles, if they are in possession of Nisab for Sadaqat-ul-Fitr.
WORD OF
THANKS TO ALMIGHTY ALLAH |
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