Sayyiduna Ibn Abbās Radiyallahu Anhu reports that Rasulullah Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam decreed the Sadaqatul Fitr to purify the fasts of vain talk and as a provision for the needy. Whoever discharges it before the Eid Salaāh, it will be accepted and whoever discharges it after the Eid Salaāh, it will be regarded as general charity.[1]
Sadaqatul Fitr becomes obligatory upon a Muslim Male and Female:
- Who is Alive at dawn on the day of Eid ul Fitr.
- On whom Zakaat is Wajib, or who possesses goods free of debt in excess of his personal needs (E.g house, clothing, furniture, etc.) to the value upon which Zakaat is obligatory.
- On the Father, on behalf of his minor children.
Note:
- It is essential that Sadaqatul Fitr be distributed to the poor and needy Muslims before the Eid Salaah. However, if this obligation has not been discharged timeously it should be done as soon as possible.
- It is preferable to give one’s Sadaqatul Fitr firstly to needy relatives, thereafter to one’s needy neighbours and then to other needy Muslims.[2]
- This Sadaqah has to be paid on or before the day of Eid ul Fitr. If he does not discharge his Sadaqatul Fitr, it will remain as a debt on him and it will have to be discharged.