Your Food, Their Life

Yes, it was the practice during the early days of Islam, that the head of the family (male or female) would pay Zakat Al Fitr on behalf of the whole family.

The recipients of Zakat Al Fitr are the poor and the needy (Fuqara and Masakeen) and their definition is the same as for Zalat Al Maal. This is someone whose income is not sufficient for their needs and the needs of the family. Essentially, the beneficiaries of Zakat Al Fitr are Zakat-eligible and are qualified to receive both Zakat Al Fitr and Zakat Al Maal.

The overwhelming majority of Muslim scholars believe that if someone has more than what he or she needs to cover his or her needs and the needs of their families for the night and the day of Eid, then they are under the obligation to pay Zakat Al Fitr. Thus, it is an obligation upon every Muslim (male or female, adult or young, rich or poor) to pay Zakat Al Fitr.

The Nisab is not taken into consideration for Zakat Al Fitr payment obligation. In this case, some people might receive Zakat Al Fitr and pay it at the same time. This way the poor and the needy will contribute to fulfilling the needs of other people and this might help them to restore their sense of pride (positive pride).

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The amount of food one must distribute as Zakat Al Fitris on saa’ of food. This is a unit of measurement used in the time of the Prophet (SAW). It equates to an amount of food that can be scooped up with two hands put together, four times. Therefore, when we represent this amount of food in dollars, it roughly equates to $15 CAD. Paying this amount in cash for the purpose of fulfilling one’s obligation of Zakat Al Fitr is sufficient, in shaa Allah.

National Zakat Foundation will distribute Zakat Al Fitr to qualified recipients who are Zakat-eligible. NZF’s team of Zakat workers (caseworkers) are trained to conduct a financial and needs assessment to determine a Zakat-eligibility of an individual or family.

National Zakat Foundation will also work with local Muslim organizations like food banks, masjids, and community centres to distribute Zakat Al Fitr to deserving families across Canada.

Zakat Al Fitr must be paid during Ramadan, before the day of Eid. It is encouraged to not delay its payment so that the distribution to the poor and needy can be planned and executed by Eid Al Fitr.