ZAKAT UL-FITR

1. MEANING
 

Zakaah al-Fitr is often referred to as Sadaqah al-Fitr. The word Fitr means the same as Iftaar, breaking a fast and it comes from the same root word as Futoor which means breakfast. Thus, Islamically, Zakaah al-Fitr is the name given to charity which is distributed at the end of the fast of Ramadaan.

 

2. CLASSIFICATION
 

Sadaqah al-Fitr is a duty which is Waajib on every Muslim, whether male or female, minor or adult as long as he/she has the means to do so.

 

The proof that this form of charity is compulsory can be found in the Sunnah whereby Ibn `Umar reported that the Prophet (sallallaahu `alaihi wa sallam) made Zakaah al-Fitr compulsory on every slave, freeman, male, female, young and old among the Muslims; one Saa` of dried dates or one Saa` of barely. [collected by Bukhari - Arabic/English, vol. 2, p. 339, no. 579]

 

The head of the household may pay the required amount for the other members. Abu Sa'eed al-Khudree said, "On behalf of our young and old, free men and slaves, we used to take out during Allaah's Messenger's (sallallaahu 'alaihi wa sallam) lifetime one Saa` of grain, cheese or raisins". [collected by Muslim - English transl. vol. 2, p. 469, no. 2155]

 

3. SIGNIFICANCE
 

The significant role played by Zakaah in the circulation of wealth within the Islamic society is also played by the Sadaqah al-Fitr. However, in the case of Sadaqah al-Fitr, each individual is required to calculate how much charity is due from himself and his dependents and go into the community in order to find those who deserve such charity. Thus, Sadaqah al-Fitr plays a very important role in the development of the bonds of community. The rich are obliged to come in direct contact with the poor, and the poor are put in contact with the extremely poor. This contact between the various levels of society helps to build real bonds of brotherhood and love within the Islamic community and trains those who have, to be generous to those who do not have.

 

4. PURPOSE
 

The main purpose of Zakaah al-Fitr is to provide those who fasted with the means of making up for their errors during the month of fasting. Zakaah al-Fitr also provides the poor with a means with which they can celebrate the festival of breaking the fast (`Eed al-Fitr) along with the rest of the Muslims.

 

Ibn Abbaas reported, "The Prophet (sallallaahu 'alaihi wa sallam) made Zakaah al-Fitr compulsory so that those who fasted may be purified of their idle deeds and shameful talk (committed during Ramadaan) and so that the poor may be fed. Whoever gives it before Salaah will have it accepted as Zakaah, while he who gives it after the Salaah has given Sadaqah." [collected by Abu Dawood - Eng. transl. vol. 2, p. 421, no. 1605 - rated Saheeh by Shaikh Naser Al-Albanee]

Hence, the goal of Sadaqah al-Fitr is the spiritual development of the Believers. By making them give up some of their wealth, the believers are taught the higher moral characteristics of generosity, compassion (sympathy for the unfortunate), gratitude to God and the righteousness. But, since Islaam does not neglect man's material need, part of the goal of Zakaah al-Fitr is the economic well-being of the poorer members of society.

 

5. CONDITIONS
 

Zakaah al-Fitr is only Waajib for a particular period of time. If one misses the time period without a good reason, he has sinned and can not make it up. This form of charity becomes obligatory from sunset on the last day of fasting and remains obligatory until the beginning of Salaah al-'Eed' (i.e. shortly after sunrise on the following day). However, it can be paid prior to the above mentioned period, as many of the Sahaabah (companions of the Prophet(sallallaahu 'alaihi wa sallam) ) used to pay Sadaqah al-Fitr a couple days before the `Eed.

 

Naafi reported that the Prophet's companion Ibn `Umar used to give it to those who would accept it and the people used to give it a day or two before the `Eed. [collected by al-Bukhaaree - Arabic/English, Vol. 2, p.339, no. 579]

Ibn `Umar reported that the Prophet (sallallaahu 'alaihi wa sallam) order that it (Zakaah al-Fitr) be given before people go to make the Salaah (al-'Eed).

 

And Ibn `Abbaas reported that the Prophet (sallallaahu 'alaihi wa sallam) said, "Whoever gives it before the Salaah will have it accepted as Zakaah, while he who gives it after the Salaah (will not, for it will only be considered as) ordinary charity. Therefore, one who forgets to pay this Zakaah al-Fitr on time should do so as soon as possible even though it will not be counted as Zakaah al-Fitr.

 

6. RATE
 

The amount of Zakaah is the same for everyone regardless of their different income brackets. The minimum amount is one Saa` (two handfuls ) of food, grain or dried fruit for each member of the family. This calculation is based on Ibn `Umar's report that the Prophet(sallallaahu 'alaihi wa sallam) made Zakaah al-Fitr compulsory and payable by a Saa` of dried dates or a Saa` of barley.

 

The Sahaabee, Abu Sa`eed al-Khudree said, "In the Prophet's time, we used to give it (Zakaah al-Fitr) as a Saa` of food, dried dates, barley, raisins or dried cheese". [collected by al-Bukhaaree - Arabic/English vol. 2, p. 340, no. 582]

FACTS OF RAMADAN [FASTING]

Ramadan is the ninth month of the Muslim calendar. The Month of Ramadan is also when it is believed the Holy Quran "was sent down from heaven, a guidance unto men, a declaration of direction, and a means of Salvation" It is during this month that Muslims fast. It is called the Fast of Ramadan and lasts the entire month. Ramadan is a time when Muslims concentrate on their faith and spend less time on the concerns of their everyday lives. It is a time of worship and contemplation During the Fast of Ramadan strict restraints are placed on the daily lives of Muslims. They are not allowed to eat or drink during the daylight hours. Smoking and sexual relations are also forbidden during fasting. At the end of the day the fast is broken with prayer and a meal called the iftar. In the evening following the iftar it is customary for Muslims to go out visiting family and friends. The fast is resumed the next morning According to the Holy Quran: One may eat and drink at any time during the night "until you can plainly distinguish a white thread from a black thread by the daylight: then keep the fast until night" The good that is acquired through the fast can be destroyed by five things - the telling of a lie slander denouncing someone behind his back a false oath greed or covetousness These are considered offensive at all times, but are most offensive during the Fast of Ramadan During Ramadan, it is common for Muslims to go to the Masjid (Mosque) and spend several hours praying and studying the Quran. In addition to the five daily prayers, during Ramadan Muslims recite a special prayer called the Taraweeh prayer (Night Prayer). The length of this prayer is usually 2-3 times as long as the daily prayers. Some Muslims spend the entire night in prayer On the evening of the 27th day of the month, Muslims celebrate the Laylat-al-Qadr (the Night of Power). It is believed that on this night Muhammad first received the revelation of the Holy Quran. And according to the Quran, this is when God determines the course of the world for the following year When the fast ends (the first day of the month of Shawwal) it is celebrated for three days in a holiday called Id-al-Fitr (the Feast of Fast Breaking). Gifts are exchanged. Friends and family gather to pray in congregation and for large meals. In some cities fairs are held to celebrate the end of the Fast of Ramadan.

Special Characteristics of Ramadan 1. Observing the fourth pillar of Islam has been prescribed during this month, and it is one of the best means by which a person attains piety and forgiveness of sins. 2. The first revelation of the Qur'an as guidance for humanity was given to the Prophet (pbuh) during this month. 3. The sunnah of performing the tarawih prayer is observed during this month. 4. Ramadan contains Laylatul-Qadr, which is better than a thousand months. 5. The great battle of Badr between the Muslims and the unbelievers took place during Ramadan in the second year of the Hijrah. 6. The Muslims re-entered Makkah victorious during Ramadan in the eighth year of the Hijrah. After this conquest people began to enter the fold of Islam in multitudes, and Makkah became free of polytheism and evil. Benefits from Ramadan 1. It strengthens one's ties with Allah and trains the soul to observe duties of devotion in accordance with the teachings of the Qur'an and Sunnah of the Prophet (pbuh). 2. It enforces patience and determination in the Muslim individual. 3. It promotes the principle of sincerity by keeping the Muslim away from arrogance and showing off, since it is an act between the individual and his Creator. 4. It promotes good character, particularly truthfulness and trust-worthiness. 5. It encourages the Muslim to do away with bad habits and change his/her circumstances for the better. 6. It enhances generosity, hospitality, and spending on charitable causes. 7. It reinforces feelings of unity and brotherhood among Muslims. 8. It instills orderliness and close observance of the value of time. 9. It serves as an opportunity for children to perform acts of obedience and to practice Islamic acts of worship. 10. It offers a chance to balance one's attention to both physical and spiritual needs.

ADVICE

Death can come at any time, so in order to die as a Muslim, you must live as a Muslim. Remember the thousands who are in their graves and would do anything just to come back and complete their duties for Allah's sake. You are blessed with the present time. Use it well.

No matter how good or bad you think life is, wake up each day and be thankful for life. Someone somewhere else is fighting to survive, whereas you have more than you need. Therefore always be appreciative..

 

what if you died today..

Are you ready? 

Do we have enough good deeds to take along with us for the next world? 

Your laptops, phones, diplomas and degrees will not accompany us in our graves.

leaving behind? Your,pictures, words displayed on facebook, twitter, BB, 2go your videos on youtube will be left behind as your legacy; 

Are you proud? 

Will it earn you sins or rewards?

Are we sincerely repenting? 

Do we sin and feel remorse afterwards, hoping to never go back to the sin or are we so far gone that we see them as little? Always repent, always make dhikr of Allah Subhana Wa Ta’ala.

If you died today, would you be proud of everything you’ve done

There is always time for change. The fact that you are alive and breathing right now is an example that the doors of repentance are open for you, please don’t squander it by not thinking of Allah at all today.....

May ALLAH guide us all..... Ameeen

HOW TO PERFORM GHUSL BATH IN ISLAM

How to perform Ghusl Bath in Islam:

NOTE :

ALL YOUR PRAYERS ARE INVALID IF YOUR GHUSL IS NOT CORRECT.

Ghusl means bath.. Before making Ghusl one should make Niyyah (intention) thus: - "I am performing Ghusl so as to become Paak." Without Niyyah, there is no Thawaab (reward) although Ghusl will be valid.
Ghusl should be made in a place of total privacy and one should not face towards the Kiblah while making Ghusl. Ghusl may be performed standing or seated, preferably seated. Use sufficient water, don't skimp nor be wasteful. One should abstain from speaking while performing Ghusl. It is better not to read any Kalimah or Aayah while bathing. Be aware of these rules whilst making Ghusl.

PROCEDURE FOR PERFORMING GHUSL

 1. Wash both hands up to and including wrists.

 2. Wash the private parts. The hands and private parts should be washed even if one is not in the state of Janaabat or Najaasat.

 3. If there is Najaasat elsewhere on the body, it should now be washed off.

4. Perform Wudhu (Read separate pamphlet for Wudhu according to Sunnah). If making Ghusl on a stool or platform where water will rapidly flow away, and then perform the complete Wudhu. If there is fear of the feet being immersed in wastewater during the Ghusl then postpone the washing of the feet to the end of the Ghusl.

 5. Ensure that the mouth and nostrils are thoroughly rinsed thrice.

 6. After performing Wudhu, pour water over the head thrice;

 7. Then pour thrice over right shoulder and;

 8. Thrice again over left shoulder.

 9. Now pour water over entire body and rub.

 10. If the hair of the head is not plaited, it is compulsory to wet all the hair up to the very base. If a single hair is left dry, Ghusl will not be valid. If the hair of a woman is plaited, she is excused from loosening her plaited hair, but it is compulsory for her to wet the base of each and every hair.
If one fails to do this then the Ghusl will not be valid. As for men who grow long hair and plait them, they are NOT excused from leaving their hair dry. If a woman experiences difficulty or is unable to wet the very bottom of her plaited hair, then it is necessary for her to unplaite her hair and wash her entire head.

11. It is Mustahab (preferable) to clean the body by rubbing it.

 12. All parts of the body should be rubbed with the hand so as to ensure that water has reached all parts of the body, and that no portion is left dry.

13. Rings and earrings, etc. should be moved so as to ensure that no portion covered by them is left dry. Ensure that the navel and the ears are all wetted. If they are not wet Ghusl will be incomplete.

14. On completion one should confine oneself to a clean place. If, while performing Wudhu, the feet had been washed, it is not necessary to wash them again.

 15. Dry the body with a clean towel, and dress as hastily as possible.

 NOTE :

If, after Ghusl, one recalls that a certain portion of the body is left dry, it is not necessary to repeat the Ghusl, but merely wash the dry portion. It is not sufficient to pass a wet hand over the dry place. If one has forgotten to rinse the mouth or the nostrils, these too could be rinsed when recalled after Ghusl has been performed.

THE TREE FARAA'IDS(Compulsory Acts) OF GHUSL ARE :

 1. To rinse the mouth in such a manner that water reaches the entire mouth.

2. To rinse the nostrils up to the ending of the fleshy part.

 3. To completely wet the whole body. When one performs these Faraa'id intentionally or unintentionally Ghusl will be valid..

May ALLAH accept  all our Ibadah... Ameen

AN ADVICE TO MY MUSLIM BROTHERS AND SISTERS

"Ask yourself, how many times did you stop yourself from sinning when fearing what people will think?

 And then ask yourself how many times did you stop sinning when fearing what Allah will think"....?