Ramadan has always been a blessing for Muslims around the world. There are many obligatory acts that we as Muslims must perform during Ramadan and Fitrah is among one of them. Being a muslim everyone knows about the importance of Fitrah, however, only a few people know about the meaning of Fitrah.
Fitrah is also called as Sadaqat al-Fitr. Fitr follows the same meaning as Iftaar, “breaking a fast”. So, in Islam the meaning of Fitrah is basically the charity distributed among the needy at the end of the fast of Ramadan.
Allah wants us to read the Quran, pay Zakat, help the needy, and take care of people around us, even if it is not Ramadan. However, the reward for such efforts will be 10 times greater in Ramadan.
Normally, Muslims practice all the ordained rituals during Ramadan, especially Zakat and Fitrah, which must be given to the poor before the Eid prayer so that they can also enjoy the essence of Eid. Moreover, giving Fitrah shows gratitude to Allah, who has given all Muslims the will, strength, and patience to take advantage of every bit of Ramadan. Fitrah serves as a tax for individual fasting.
Like Zakat, it is also given to those who cannot afford even the basic things. However, unlike Zakat, Fitrah is not applied to your wealth or belongings. The minimum amount due is equivalent to about 2 kilograms of wheat flour, rice, or other basic food items. It is obligatory for any person living in a house, including an infant. However, if they have no income, the head of the family must pay the fitrah for their dependents, whether they live in the same house or not.
Importance of Fitrah
Sometimes, Muslims think we give Zakat during Ramadan, so why do we pay Fitrah? The answer is simple: Zakat is the tax for our property, and Fitrah is the tax for our fasting. It purifies our body and soul and helps us remain the same for a whole year. Since Fitrah is the body’s tax, it allows us to protect ourselves from all evils and bad events.
Moreover, paying the Fitrah helps our needy Muslim brothers and sisters to enjoy Eid with the same enthusiasm as we do! Our beloved Prophet Hazrat Mohammad Sallallahu alaihi wa Sallam says, “The fast of the fasting month will hang between the earth and the sky. It will not be raised to the divine presence without paying the Sadqa ul-Fitr” Reference: TAREEKH E BAGHDAD.
Who is entitled to pay fitrah?
Our beloved Prophet Hazrat Mohammad Sallallahu alaihi wa Sallam has said that only poor Muslim brothers and sisters are eligible recipients of Fitrah. You cannot give it to a non-Muslim, and if you do, it will not be accepted as Fitrah.
Also, remember that you have to give your Sadqa-ul-Fitr before Eid prayers. The amount is small, but if you are wealthy enough, you can increase it so that your poor Muslim brothers and sisters can enjoy their Eid with happiness and joy.
In conclusion
Fitrah is obligatory for every Muslim, and no one can deny it. Regardless of whether you earn money or not, you must pay Fitrah, or the one you depend on should pay Fitrah for you. Otherwise, all the good deeds you did in Ramadan will be stuck between the earth and heaven.