SOME FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS IN THE FIELD OF ZAKAH AND SADAQATU-L-FITR

Abstract

UDK 28-428

Zakah is a strict property obligation (fard, a pillar of Islam) it is founded upon very clearly defined imperative commands of Qurćan and the Sunnah. Even though it comprises of giving a certain percentage of one’s wealth for those who are eligible, this obligation still has a character of ibadat/religious ritual which has a purpose to bring a person closer to the Almightz Creator, if he is fulfilling it with honesty for the sole purpose of attaining His pleasure. Other important ibadat which concerns giving away a portion of wealth is sadaqātu-l’fitr which is to be performed during the fasting of the month of Ramadan and before Eid Al Fitr salah time. The amount of this contribution is estimated and finalised each year on the bases of the estimate value of one day’s food for one person. It is paid for each member of a household, regardless of they are fasting or not. Sadaqatu-l-fitr is paid per person for each member of a household including the minors and those who cannot fast. Keeping in mind that this is an issue of a great significance and that it falls into a categories of strict obligations (zakah) and practical duty (sadaqatu-l-fitr) respectively, furthermore this issue is regulated in much details that are not easily available to the general public, thus they often ask many question regarding the same throughout the year and especially during the month of Ramadan as they are eager to understand and fulfil their obligations. This article will present some frequently asked questions and the answers to the same.