Zakat al-Fitr is an obligation for Muslims that must be paid before Eid al-Fitr. This zakat aims to purify oneself after a month of fasting and to help those in need celebrate Eid properly.
Because it is obligatory, every Muslim must understand the importance of zakat fitrah, including its purpose and requirements. So, what exactly is zakat fitrah? Why is every Muslim obligated to pay it? Below, we will discuss zakat fitrah to help you better understand this obligation.
Understanding Zakat Fitrah
Zakat al-Fitr is a form of charity obligatory for every Muslim, both men and women, who meets certain requirements. This zakat must be paid before the Eid al-Fitr prayer as a sign of purification of the soul after fasting during Ramadan.
The word “fitrah” can be interpreted linguistically as purity or the origin of human nature. In the context of zakat, it refers to the obligation to cleanse oneself of minor sins that may have occurred during fasting. By paying zakat fitrah, a Muslim is expected to achieve spiritual purity before celebrating the day of victory.
The Purpose of Zakat Fitrah
Zakat al-Fitr has several primary purposes that are crucial to the lives of Muslims. Here are some of them:
1. Purify the Soul
The main purpose of zakat fitrah is to purify oneself after a full month of fasting. Because fasting is not necessarily perfect, and zakat can help erase these deficiencies.
2. Helping the Poor
Furthermore, paying zakat fitrah also aims to ensure that the poor, needy, and destitute can celebrate Eid al-Fitr properly. This way, everyone can experience the joy of Eid al-Fitr.
3. Strengthening Social Solidarity
Paying zakat fitrah is a form of social responsibility that teaches you to always share with others. This strengthens the sense of togetherness and Islamic brotherhood within society.
Terms of Payment of Zakat Fitrah
Before paying zakat fitrah, there are several provisions you should be aware of. For further clarification, please see the full explanation below.
1. Who is obliged to pay Zakat Fitrah?
Zakat fitrah is a zakat that must be paid by every Muslim who is still alive until sunset on the night of Eid al-Fitr. However, some scholars mention, this obligatory zakat can also be paid until before the iqamah of Eid prayer.
This is a form of obligation that Muslims must fulfill as part of their purification of the soul and a form of social concern for one another. By paying zakat al-fitrah, every Muslim contributes in creating a social balance in society, especially for those who are disadvantaged. These obligations include:
- Adults and children, both those who have earned their own income and those who are still dependent on a parent or guardian.
- Men and women, without exception, as this obligation is universal to all Muslims.
- Orang yang mampu, yaitu mereka yang memiliki kelebihan harta untuk mencukupi kebutuhan hidupnya serta keluarganya pada hari raya tanpa mengalami kesulitan finansial yang berarti.
2. Time of Payment of Zakat Fitrah
Zakat fitrah should be paid within a certain time span to be valid and precisely targeted. The timing of these payments is divided into several categories that have varying levels of priority.
In paying zakat at the right time is highly recommended so that this worship is accepted perfectly and can help those in need. Following are the timelines:
- Time must. During the month of Ramadan, until sunset on the night of Eid al-Fitr, because at this time zakat fitrah has become obligatory for every Muslim.
- Prime time. Before the Eid al-Fitr prayer is performed, because at this time zakat fitrah still has the main value in helping the poor celebrate the holiday.
- Makruh time. After the Eid al-Fitr prayer until before sunset on that day.
- Haram time. After sunset on Eid al-Fitr, because at this time zakat fitrah is no longer considered zakat but only ordinary charity which does not have the same virtue.
3. Form and Amount of Zakat Fitrah
Zakat al-Fitr can be paid in the form of staple foods, commonly consumed in each region. In Indonesia, the majority of people pay zakat al-Fitr in rice, but some also choose to pay in cash.
Apabila pembayaran zakat fitrah dalam bentuk beras, besarnya adalah minimal 2,5 kilogram yang setara dengan 3,5 liter untuk setiap orang. Sementara untuk uang, nominal yang harus dibayarkan adalah sama dengan harga beras 3,5 liter atau 2,5 kilogram pada daerah tersebut.
Because it is obligatory, paying zakat fitrah is essential for Muslims before the Eid prayer on Eid al-Fitr. Besides purifying the soul after fasting, this zakat also aims to help underprivileged groups celebrate the day of victory properly.
Therefore, it is crucial to understand the provisions for paying zakat fitrah to ensure that the act of worship is valid and in accordance with Islamic law. By paying zakat fitrah on time and according to the provisions, you not only fulfill your religious obligation but also help strengthen social solidarity within the community.
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