Zakat represents one of the most significant obligations imposed upon Muslims, serving as a pillar among the five pillars of Islam; whoever abandons it out of denial and rejection is considered a disbeliever by the consensus of scholars. Zakat possesses specific conditions and rulings that we must consider for its acceptance, among them being a sincere and pure intention solely for the sake of Allah. In this article, we will clarify what is the difference between Zakat and Zakat Al Fitr, as they differ in numerous aspects, along with mentioning the most important rulings pertaining to Zakat al-Fitr.
What is the difference between Zakat and Zakat Al Fitr?
Many individuals want to know what is the difference between Zakat and Zakat Al Fitr, and the fundamental distinction lies in the fact that Zakat encompasses numerous types, including Zakat al-Mal which is one of the most well-known forms. In Zakat al-Mal, the Muslim gives out approximately 2.5% of the value of savings or properties that he possesses after a lunar year has passed over them, as the Messenger of Allah PBUH stated:
لا زكاة في مال حتى يحول عليه الحول
[There is no Zakat on wealth until a year has passed over it.]
Specific conditions exist for paying Zakat in general, including that the person must be Muslim, as it is not accepted from a non-believer and that his wealth must be capable of growth, as is the case with trade, crops, fruits and livestock that reproduce. It has been narrated from the Prophet PBUH that he said:
«ليس على المسلم في فرسه ولا عبده صدقة»
[“There is no Sadaqah (Zakat) due upon a Muslim for his horse or his slave.”]
Zakat is an obligation upon capable Muslims, requiring them to give charity from what exceeds their basic needs, such as food, drink, clothing, housing and expenses for their wife and children.
As for Zakat al-Fitr, it constitutes a special type of Zakat that is given out in the form of staple food at a specific time, namely the end of the month of Ramadan and it is recommended to be paid before the Eid prayer. This particular Zakat is obligatory upon every Muslim, whether old or young, male or female, with the exception of the fetus in its mother’s womb, although giving it on behalf of the fetus is also recommended. Its amount is relatively small, estimated at one Sa’ of food per individual, meaning the difference primarily appears in the time of obligation, the amount of Zakat and also the person’s capacity to pay Zakat.
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Is the obligatory Zakat for Muslims which is one of the Five Pillars, different from the Zakat of Ramadan?
The Zakat associated specifically with the month of Ramadan is Zakat al-Fitr and we have clarified the difference between general Zakat and Zakat al-Fitr in the preceding lines. Regarding the Zakat which stands as a pillar of Islam, its performance is not stipulated to occur within Ramadan; rather, it becomes obligatory after the passage of a lunar year whether that falls during Ramadan or any other month.
Rulings of Zakat al-Fitr
Zakat al-Fitr holds significant importance as it assists in supporting the poor and needy by bringing them joy and happiness before Eid. It is obligatory upon all Muslims regardless of their age or gender, including children who have not reached puberty, as narrated from Ibn Umar, may Allah be pleased with them both, who said: [“The Messenger of Allah PBUH enjoined Zakat al-Fitr of Ramadan, one Sa’ of dates or one Sa’ of barley, upon the slave and the free, the male and the female, the young and the old among the Muslims.”]
Its quantity in modern terms equates to approximately 3 kilograms and any type of staple food common to the country can be given, such as rice for example; importantly, delaying its payment until after the Eid prayer is not permissible.
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Is Zakat obligatory on used gold?
Some scholars held the view that used jewelry is not subject to Zakat, while others opined that Zakat must be paid on gold, whether used or saved, if it reaches the Nisab threshold which is equivalent to twenty Mithqals of gold. However, the more likely correct view is that as long as it is intended for personal use, no Zakat is due upon you.
Can i give Zakat to my sister?
Yes, you can give Zakat to your sister if she is poor and eligible for Zakat, but she must not be among those whose financial support is obligatory upon you.
When to give zakat al fitr?
Zakat al-Fitr becomes obligatory one or two days before the end of the month of Ramadan, approximately on the night of the twenty-eighth and it is recommended to pay it out during this period before the Eid prayer.
How much Zakat to pay on 1000 pounds?
The amount of Zakat obligatory on cash currency is 2.5% which is equivalent to one-fortieth, provided that your wealth reaches the Nisab threshold; therefore, you must pay out 25 pounds for every thousand pounds of your money.
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Do you pay Zakat on loaned money?
If the borrowing person denies the existence of the money altogether or is unable to return the money because he is insolvent, then no Zakat is due upon you; however, if the borrowing person is solvent, acknowledges taking it and intends to return it, then it is necessary that you pay Zakat on the loaned money.
Is 2.5% Zakat mentioned in the Quran?
This specific percentage (2.5%) is not explicitly mentioned in the Quran itself, but the scholars derived it from the Prophetic Hadiths. It is narrated from Ali, may Allah be pleased with him, from the Prophet PBUH that he said:
«إِذَا كَانَتْ لَكَ مِائَتَا دِرْهَمٍ وَحَالَ عَلَيْهَا الْحَوْلُ فَفِيهَا خَمْسَةُ دَرَاهِمَ، وَلَيْسَ عَلَيْكَ شَيْءٌ يَعْنِي فِي الذَّهَبِ حَتَّى يَكُونَ لَكَ عِشْرُونَ دِينَارًا فَإِذَا كَانَ لَكَ عِشْرُونَ دِينَارًا وَحَالَ عَلَيْهَا الْحَوْلُ فَفِيهَا نِصْفُ دِينَارٍ، فَمَا زَادَ فَبِحِسَابِ ذَلِكَ»
[“If you have two hundred Dirhams and a year passes over them, then five Dirhams are due on them. And nothing is due upon you – meaning in gold – until you have twenty Dinars. If you have twenty Dinars and a year passes over them, then half a Dinar is due on them. Whatever exceeds that is calculated accordingly.”]
Can i give Zakat to my brother?
Yes, certainly, provided that he is among the eligible recipients of Zakat, such as being poor or needy and not possessing enough to cover his needs and he must not be among those whose financial support is obligatory upon you.
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Is Zakat al-Fitr money or food?
According to the view of the majority of scholars, Zakat al-Fitr must be given as food and it is not correct to pay it out in cash. It is also accepted if you paid it in cash depending on the opinion of another group of scholars. If you are wondering about the amount of Zakat al-Fitr, it is estimated at three kilograms of staple food per individual.
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