Zakat Al-Fitr — The Small Zakat Often Forgotten
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Level: basic
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قَدۡ أَفۡلَحَ مَن تَزَكَّىٰ وَذَكَرَ ٱسۡمَ رَبِّهِۦ فَصَلَّىٰ
— الأعلى 14
Legitimacy: "He has succeeded who purifies himself and remembers the name of his Lord and prays." (87:14-15) — said to refer to Zakat Al-Fitr and Eid prayer.
Wisdom: Ibn Abbas: "The Messenger of Allah ﷺ ordained Zakat Al-Fitr as purification for the fasting person from idle talk and obscenity, and as food for the poor." (Abu Dawud — Sahih)
Timing: From sunset of the last Ramadan day until Eid prayer. Paying one or two days early is permitted.
Amount: One sa' (approx. 2.5 kg) of staple food per household member.
Source: Abu Dawud (1609) — Sahih; Al-Qurtubi (20/14); Ibn Qudama (3/60)
Question: What two purposes did Ibn Abbas mention for Zakat Al-Fitr?
Answer: (1) Purification of the fasting person from idle talk and obscenity (2) Food for the poor — combines purifying the faster and enriching the poor.