By
Abdul-Kadir Abdullah
All praise is due to Allah. We praise Him, we seek His help and His forgiveness. We seek refuge in Allah from the evil within ourselves and from the consequences of our deeds. Whomsoever Allah guides, none can misguide; and whomsoever He allows to go astray, none can guide. I bear witness that there is no deity worthy of worship except Allah alone, without partner, and I bear witness that Muhammad (peace and blessings be upon him) is His servant and Messenger.
Dear brothers and sisters in Islam, let us fear Allah (Taqwa), for Taqwa is the provision of the believers.
Allah says in the Qur’an: “O you who believe, fear Allah as He should be feared and do not die except in a state of Islam.”
Today’s sermon is about Zakatul Fitr and its importance.
Zakatul Fitr is a special charity that Allah has made obligatory upon every Muslim at the end of the month of Ramadan.
It is a duty upon every Muslim who has the means, whether male or female, young or old, free person or servant. The head of the household may pay it on behalf of his dependents.
The Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) made Zakatul Fitr compulsory for Muslims.
Abdullah ibn Umar (may Allah be pleased with him) reported that the Prophet (peace be upon him) made Zakatul Fitr obligatory on every Muslim, one sa‘ of dates or barley, to be given before the Eid prayer.
Dear believers, Zakatul Fitr serves two major purposes.
First, it purifies the fasting person from any shortcomings that may have occurred during the fast.
During Ramadan, we strive to fast sincerely, but we may fall into mistakes such as idle talk, anger, or negligence. Zakatul Fitr acts as a purification for those shortcomings.
Second, it helps the poor and needy, allowing them to share in the joy of Eid. Islam is a religion of compassion and social justice. By giving Zakatul Fitr, we ensure that the less privileged members of society can celebrate Eid without worry or hunger.
Brothers and sisters, the amount of Zakatul Fitr traditionally prescribed by the Prophet (peace be upon him) is one sa‘ of staple food such as rice, wheat, dates, or similar items commonly eaten in the community.
In many places today, scholars also allow it to be given in monetary value equivalent to the staple food.
It is very important that Zakatul Fitr is given before the Eid prayer. If it is given after the Eid prayer, it will be considered ordinary charity and not Zakatul Fitr. Therefore, every Muslim should make effort to give it early so it reaches the needy in time.
Let us remember that Islam encourages generosity, especially in Ramadan.
The Prophet (peace be upon him) was the most generous of people, and he was even more generous during Ramadan.
Dear Muslims, do not neglect this important obligation. Give it with sincerity, and make sure it reaches those who truly deserve it.
The companions narrated exactly how the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) instructed them to give it.
Abu Sa‘id Al-Khudri (RA) said: “We used to give Zakatul Fitr at the time of the Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) one sa‘ of food, and our food at that time was barley, raisins, dried yogurt (cheese), and dates.”
(Reported in Sahih al-Bukhari and Sahih Muslim)
Another narration from Ibn Umar (RA) states: “The Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) obligated Zakatul Fitr as one sa‘ of dates or one sa‘ of barley upon every Muslim, slave or free, male or female, young or old, and he ordered that it be given before the people go out for the Eid prayer.” (Bukhari and Muslim)
From these hadiths we learn how the Prophet (peace be upon him) carried it out: It was given as food, not originally as money. The amount was one sa‘ (about 2.5–3 kg of staple food). The foods commonly given were: Dates, Barley, Raisins, Dried cheese (aqit). And other staple foods of the community.
It is important to emphasise that it must be distributed before the Eid prayer so the poor can benefit on the day of Eid.
In places like Nigeria, scholars say it can be given in staple foods such as: Rice, Maize, Millet, beans, Garri or other local staple foods.
Some scholars also allow giving the equivalent value in money if it benefits the poor more.
I say these words of mine, and I seek forgiveness from Allah for myself and for you. Seek His forgiveness, for He is the Most Forgiving, the Most Merciful.
All praise is due to Allah, Lord of the worlds. Peace and blessings be upon the Prophet Muhammad, his family, his companions, and those who follow them until the Day of Judgment.
Dear brothers and sisters, as we approach the end of Ramadan, we should reflect on what we have gained during this blessed month which includes increased faith, patience, discipline, and closeness to Allah.
Zakatul Fitr reminds us that our worship is not only between us and Allah but also involves our responsibility toward society. Islam builds a community where the rich support the poor and the strong help the weak.
Let us use this opportunity to spread kindness and compassion. Look around your community and identify those who need assistance. They must not come and tell you all their problems before you help them. Try and identify them by yourself and support them. They include: the poor, widows, orphans, and struggling families. Your Zakatul Fitr may bring happiness to a household that has nothing to eat on the day of Eid.
We ask Allah to accept our fasting, our prayers, our charity, and all our acts of worship during Ramadan.
O Allah, forgive our sins, guide us to the straight path, grant us peace and security in our land, and bless our families and our communities.
Indeed, Allah commands justice, excellence, and generosity to relatives and forbids immorality, wrongdoing, and oppression. He admonishes you that you may take heed.
Remember Allah, the Most High, and He will remember you. Thank Him for His blessings and He will increase you.
Abdul-Kadir Abdullah is the president of the Muslim Media Practitioners of Nigeria (MMPN), Edo State Chapter.
