THE RAMADAN CHARITY

Zakat al-Fitr is specifically related to the month of fasting and is given before the special Id prayer.

The reason for this Zakat is two-fold.

Ibn ‘Abbas reported: The Prophet made Zakat al-Fitr obligatory for the fasting person to keep him from idle talk and indecent conversation and to provide food for the needy. Discharging the duty before the prayer is an accepted Zakat while discharging it after the prayer is just a sadqah.

Zakat al-Fitr perfects the fast of Ramadan and purifies the fast of any indecent act or speech.

It is obligatory on all Muslims: young, old, male and female. Every Muslim who possesses over and above what is needed as basic food for the duration of one day and night must pay Zakat al-Fitr, approximately 3 kg of dates or barley or wheat or its equivalent value in money. It is preferable to give foodstuffs. It is usually the head of the household who collects the Zakat al-Fitr for himself and his dependants and distributes it.

It is used to help the poor and needy.  The earlier it is given the easier it is for them to make arrangements, so that they may also take part in the celebrations of Id without any difficulties.