The difference between zakaah on wealth and zakaat al-fitr
Is the zakaah that is enjoined on Muslims and is one of the five pillars something other than the zakaah of Ramadaan?.
Praise be to Allaah.
Yes, the zakaah that is one of the five pillars of Islam is something other than the zakaah that must be paid at the end of Ramadaan (zakaat al-fitr).
The former is zakaah on wealth which is only obligatory on certain kinds of wealth, viz.:
1- An’aam livestock (camels, cattle and sheep)
2- Gold and silver and, nowadays, paper currency
3- Trade goods
4- What is produced by the earth, which includes two things:
a. Crops and fruits. The scholars are unanimously agreed that it is obligatory to pay zakaah on four kinds: wheat, barley, dates and raisins; they differed with regard to other kinds.
b. Rikaaz (buried treasure), i.e., wealth of the kuffaar buried in the ground that is found by a Muslim.
Shaykh al-Islam Ibn Taymiyah (may Allaah have mercy on him) narrated in Majmoo’ al-Fataawa (25/10) that Ibn al-Mundhir (may Allaah have mercy on him) said:
The scholars are unanimously agreed that zakaah is obligatory on nine things: camels, cattle, sheep, gold, silver, wheat, barley, dates and raisins, if they reach the nisaab (minimum threshold) for each type at which zakaah becomes due. They differed with regard to other types of wealth.
Zakaah for each of these kinds of wealth is obligatory subject to certain conditions, and a specific amount of the wealth must be given as defined by sharee’ah.
See the questions on zakaah on this site for more information.
This zakaah (zakaah on wealth) is one of the five pillars of Islam. Whoever denies it is a kaafir and whoever withholds it is a rebellious evildoer; the Muslim ruler must take it from him by force. If he persists in withholding it and is protected by his tribe then he must be fought until he pays it.
Al-Bukhaari (8) and Muslim (12) narrated that ‘Abd-Allaah ibn ‘Umar said: I heard the Messenger of Allaah (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) say: “Islam is built on five (pillars): bearing witness that there is no god except Allaah, establishing regular prayer, paying zakaah, fasting Ramadaan and going on Pilgrimage to the House.”
Al-Bukhaari (25) and Muslim (22) narrated from Ibn ‘Umar that the Messenger of Allaah (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) said: “I have been enjoined to fight the people until they bear witness that there is no god except Allaah and that Muhammad is the Messenger of Allaah, and they establish regular prayer and pay zakaah. If they do that, then they have protected their blood and wealth from me except in cases where Islamic laws apply, and their reckoning will be with Allaah.
The Sahaabah (may Allaah be pleased with them) were unanimously agreed on fighting those who withheld zakaah. Al-Bukhaari (1400) and Muslim (20) narrated that Abu Hurayrah (may Allaah be pleased with him) said: “When the Messenger of Allaah (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) passed away, and Abu Bakr (may Allaah be pleased with him) became caliph, and some of the Arabs disbelieved and apostatized, ‘Umar (may Allaah be pleased with him) said: ‘How could you fight the people, when the Messenger of Allaah (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) said, “I have been enjoined to fight the people until they bear witness that there is no god except Allaah. Whoever says that has protected his blood and wealth from me except in cases where Islamic laws apply, and their reckoning will be with Allaah”?’ Then Abu Bakr said: ‘By Allaah, I will fight those who separate prayer and zakaah, for zakaah is what is due on wealth. By Allaah, if they withhold from me a small sheep that they used to give to the Messenger of Allaah (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him), I will fight them for withholding it.’ ‘Umar (may Allaah be pleased with him) said: ‘By Allaah, when I realized that Abu Bakr (may Allaah be pleased with him) was confident about this idea, then I knew that this was the truth.’”
With regard to the zakaah that is obligatory at the end of Ramadaan, this is Zakaat al-Fitr. The scholars are unanimously agreed that it is obligatory, except those who held odd views.
See Tarh al-Tathreeb, 4/46.
It is less important than the zakaah of wealth with regard to obligation and status. Zakaat al-Fitr is not one of the pillars of Islam, and the one who denies it is not a kaafir.
Zakaat al-Fitr was mentioned in many ahaadeeth, such as the following:
Al-Bukhaari (1503) and Muslim (984) narrated that Ibn ‘Umar (may Allaah be pleased with him) said: The Messenger of Allaah (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) enjoined zakaat al-fitr, a saa’ of dates, or a saa’ of barley, for every Muslim, slave or free, male or female, young or old, and he enjoined that it be given before the people go out to the prayer.
Abu Dawood (1609) narrated that Ibn ‘Abbaas said: The Messenger of Allaah (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) enjoined zakaat al-fitr as a purification for those who fasted from idle or obscene talk, and so as to feed the poor. Whoever gives it before the prayer, it is accepted zakaah and whoever gives it after the prayer, it is ordinary charity. Classed as hasan by al-Albaani in Saheeh Abi Dawood.
See question no. 12459 for more details.
Islam Q&A
Sunday, 28 August 2011
Zakaat al-Fitr is food, not money, and it is to be given to needy Muslims only
What do you give for zakatul fitr? Is it money or grain? and what about if you don`t know any body to be given? Is it permissable to give it to the masjid or a kaafir homeless, or kaair in general?
Praise be to Allaah.
Ibn ‘Umar (may Allaah be pleased with them both) said: “The Messenger of Allaah (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) made giving a saa’ of dates or a saa’ of barley as Zakaat al-Fitr an obligation for all Muslims, slave and free, male and female, young and old, and ordered that it should be given before the people went out to pray (Salaat al-Eid).” (Al-Bukhaari, 1503).
Abu Sa’eed al-Khudri (may Allaah be pleased with him) said: “We used to pay as Zakaat al-Fitr a saa’ of food or a saa’ of barley (which was their food at that time) or a saa’ or dates or a saa’ of aqit (dried yoghurt) or a saa’ of raisins.” (1506)
From this it is clear that Zakaat al-Fitr must be food, not money, so we must adhere to what has been recorded in the Sunnah. So give one saa’ of whatever is the staple food in your country, such as rice or wheat, for example, on behalf of yourself and each member of your household. (A saa’ is equivalent to approximately 3 kilograms). It is not permissible to give it to anyone except a needy Muslim. If you cannot find anyone in your own country, you can delegate someone else to give it on your behalf in another country. May Allaah help us and you to do the duties that He loves. And Allaah knows best.
Islam Q&A
Sheikh Muhammed Salih Al-Munajjid
Praise be to Allaah.
Ibn ‘Umar (may Allaah be pleased with them both) said: “The Messenger of Allaah (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) made giving a saa’ of dates or a saa’ of barley as Zakaat al-Fitr an obligation for all Muslims, slave and free, male and female, young and old, and ordered that it should be given before the people went out to pray (Salaat al-Eid).” (Al-Bukhaari, 1503).
Abu Sa’eed al-Khudri (may Allaah be pleased with him) said: “We used to pay as Zakaat al-Fitr a saa’ of food or a saa’ of barley (which was their food at that time) or a saa’ or dates or a saa’ of aqit (dried yoghurt) or a saa’ of raisins.” (1506)
From this it is clear that Zakaat al-Fitr must be food, not money, so we must adhere to what has been recorded in the Sunnah. So give one saa’ of whatever is the staple food in your country, such as rice or wheat, for example, on behalf of yourself and each member of your household. (A saa’ is equivalent to approximately 3 kilograms). It is not permissible to give it to anyone except a needy Muslim. If you cannot find anyone in your own country, you can delegate someone else to give it on your behalf in another country. May Allaah help us and you to do the duties that He loves. And Allaah knows best.
Islam Q&A
Sheikh Muhammed Salih Al-Munajjid
Giving sadaqah (charity) to non-Muslims
1) It is ok to give sadaqa to non-muslim especially in this country?
2) Someone (probably muslim) beg for specific amount of money. What Islam say to deal with such situation? Please also mention this situation when the begger is non_muslim?
3) Is the same ruling for the first two question would be applicable to begger who are on drugs/alcohol, etc? It may be possible they may use money for wrong doing.
Praise be to Allaah.
1 - It is permissible to give charity – other than the obligatory charity (zakaah etc.) – to poor non-Muslims, especially if they are relatives, on condition that they do not belong to people who are in a state of war against us and have not committed acts of aggression that would preclude our treating them kindly. Allaah says (interpretation of the meaning):
“Allaah does not forbid you to deal justly and kindly with those who fought not against you on account of religion nor drove you out of your homes. Verily, Allaah loves those who deal with equity. It is only as regards those who fought against you on account of religion, and have driven you out of your homes, and helped to drive you out, that Allaah forbids you to befriend them. And whosoever will befriend them, then such are the Zaalimoon (wrongdoers those who disobey Allaah” [al-Mumtahinah 60:8-9]
Asmaa’ bint Abi Bakr (may Allaah be pleased with her) said: “My mother came to me when she was still a mushrikah – at the time when there was a peace treaty between Quraysh and the Messenger of Allaah (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) – accompanied by her father. I consulted the Messenger of Allaah (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him), saying, ‘O Messenger of Allaah, my mother has come to me and she is asking for help. Should I uphold the ties of kinship with her?’ He said, ‘Yes, uphold the ties of kinship with her.’” (Narrated by al-Bukhaari, no. 2946).
It was narrated that a Jewish woman came begging to ‘Aa’ishah (may Allaah be pleased with her) and she gave her something. The Jewish woman said to ‘Aa’ishah, “May Allaah protect you from the punishment of the grave.” ‘Aa’ishah did not like that, and when she saw the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) she asked him about it and he said “No.” ‘Aa’ishah said: “Then later on, the Messenger of Allaah (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) said: ‘It has been revealed to me that you will be tried in your graves.’” (Musnad Ahmad, no. 24815).
These two ahaadeeth indicate that it is permissible to give charity to the kuffaar. But it is not permissible to give zakaah funds to the poor among the kuffaar, because zakaah can only be given to Muslims to spend on the poor and needy among them as mentioned in the aayah of zakaah.
Imaam al-Shaafa'i said: “There is nothing wrong with giving charity to a mushrik as a naafilah (supererogatory) action, but he has no right to charity from the obligatory (zakaah). Allaah praised people who, as He says (interpretation of the meaning): ‘… they give food, inspite of their love for it (or for the love of Him), to the Miskeen (the poor), the orphan, and the captive’ [al-Insaan 76:8].” (Kitaab al-Umm, part 2).
Giving charity to poor Muslims is preferable and more befitting, because spending on them helps them to obey Allaah, and it helps them in both their worldly and spiritual affairs. This helps to strengthen the bonds among Muslims, especially nowadays when the poor among the Muslims far outnumber the rich. And Allaah is the One Whose help we seek.
2 – If the person who is asking for the money is Muslim and is definitely in need, then give him what you can in charity. The same applies even if he is not Muslim. But it is better for Muslims who are in need to refrain from begging in the streets. If they have no other choice, they should go to Islamic charity organizations which exist to channel charitable donations to the poor and needy. By the same token, those who want to give charity can also contact reliable charitable organizations so that their charity will reach those who deserve it.
3 – If the person who is asking for money –regardless of whether he is a Muslim or a kaafir – is asking for it in order to commit sin and buy something that is haraam, or he is going to use the money to help him to do something haraam, then it is not permissible to give that charity to him, because by doing so, one is helping him to commit that haraam action. Allaah says (interpretation of the meaning):
“Help you one another in Al‑Birr and At‑Taqwa (virtue, righteousness and piety); but do not help one another in sin and transgression” [al-Maa’idah 5:2]
And Allaah knows best.
Islam Q&A
Sheikh Muhammed Salih Al-Munajjid
2) Someone (probably muslim) beg for specific amount of money. What Islam say to deal with such situation? Please also mention this situation when the begger is non_muslim?
3) Is the same ruling for the first two question would be applicable to begger who are on drugs/alcohol, etc? It may be possible they may use money for wrong doing.
Praise be to Allaah.
1 - It is permissible to give charity – other than the obligatory charity (zakaah etc.) – to poor non-Muslims, especially if they are relatives, on condition that they do not belong to people who are in a state of war against us and have not committed acts of aggression that would preclude our treating them kindly. Allaah says (interpretation of the meaning):
“Allaah does not forbid you to deal justly and kindly with those who fought not against you on account of religion nor drove you out of your homes. Verily, Allaah loves those who deal with equity. It is only as regards those who fought against you on account of religion, and have driven you out of your homes, and helped to drive you out, that Allaah forbids you to befriend them. And whosoever will befriend them, then such are the Zaalimoon (wrongdoers those who disobey Allaah” [al-Mumtahinah 60:8-9]
Asmaa’ bint Abi Bakr (may Allaah be pleased with her) said: “My mother came to me when she was still a mushrikah – at the time when there was a peace treaty between Quraysh and the Messenger of Allaah (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) – accompanied by her father. I consulted the Messenger of Allaah (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him), saying, ‘O Messenger of Allaah, my mother has come to me and she is asking for help. Should I uphold the ties of kinship with her?’ He said, ‘Yes, uphold the ties of kinship with her.’” (Narrated by al-Bukhaari, no. 2946).
It was narrated that a Jewish woman came begging to ‘Aa’ishah (may Allaah be pleased with her) and she gave her something. The Jewish woman said to ‘Aa’ishah, “May Allaah protect you from the punishment of the grave.” ‘Aa’ishah did not like that, and when she saw the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) she asked him about it and he said “No.” ‘Aa’ishah said: “Then later on, the Messenger of Allaah (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) said: ‘It has been revealed to me that you will be tried in your graves.’” (Musnad Ahmad, no. 24815).
These two ahaadeeth indicate that it is permissible to give charity to the kuffaar. But it is not permissible to give zakaah funds to the poor among the kuffaar, because zakaah can only be given to Muslims to spend on the poor and needy among them as mentioned in the aayah of zakaah.
Imaam al-Shaafa'i said: “There is nothing wrong with giving charity to a mushrik as a naafilah (supererogatory) action, but he has no right to charity from the obligatory (zakaah). Allaah praised people who, as He says (interpretation of the meaning): ‘… they give food, inspite of their love for it (or for the love of Him), to the Miskeen (the poor), the orphan, and the captive’ [al-Insaan 76:8].” (Kitaab al-Umm, part 2).
Giving charity to poor Muslims is preferable and more befitting, because spending on them helps them to obey Allaah, and it helps them in both their worldly and spiritual affairs. This helps to strengthen the bonds among Muslims, especially nowadays when the poor among the Muslims far outnumber the rich. And Allaah is the One Whose help we seek.
2 – If the person who is asking for the money is Muslim and is definitely in need, then give him what you can in charity. The same applies even if he is not Muslim. But it is better for Muslims who are in need to refrain from begging in the streets. If they have no other choice, they should go to Islamic charity organizations which exist to channel charitable donations to the poor and needy. By the same token, those who want to give charity can also contact reliable charitable organizations so that their charity will reach those who deserve it.
3 – If the person who is asking for money –regardless of whether he is a Muslim or a kaafir – is asking for it in order to commit sin and buy something that is haraam, or he is going to use the money to help him to do something haraam, then it is not permissible to give that charity to him, because by doing so, one is helping him to commit that haraam action. Allaah says (interpretation of the meaning):
“Help you one another in Al‑Birr and At‑Taqwa (virtue, righteousness and piety); but do not help one another in sin and transgression” [al-Maa’idah 5:2]
And Allaah knows best.
Islam Q&A
Sheikh Muhammed Salih Al-Munajjid
Can zakaah be used for da’wah purposes?
Is it permissible to use zakat money which has been collected by a Muslim organisation for dawah purposes in a non-Muslim country like Australia where most of the zakat goes overseas to needy Muslims while money is desperately needed for dawah activities in Australia?.
Praise be to Allaah.
Allaah has explained the categories on which zakaah may be spent in the verse in which He says (interpretation of the meaning):
“As-Sadaqaat (here it means Zakaah) are only for the Fuqaraa’ (poor), and Al‑Masaakeen (the poor) and those employed to collect (the funds); and to attract the hearts of those who have been inclined (towards Islam); and to free the captives; and for those in debt; and for Allaah’s Cause (i.e. for Mujaahidoon — those fighting in a holy battle), and for the wayfarer (a traveller who is cut off from everything); a duty imposed by Allaah. And Allaah is All-Knower, All-Wise”
[al-Tawbah 9:60]
It is not acceptable to spend zakaah funds on anything other than these eight categories.
Ibn Qudaamah (may Allaah have mercy on him) said in al-Mughni (2/280): It is not permissible to spend zakaah on anything other than what Allaah has mentioned here, such as building mosques, bridges and aqueducts, maintaining roads, shrouding the dead, providing hospitality to visitors and other acts of charity that Allaah did not mention here. End quote.
What is meant by “for Allaah’s Cause” is jihad for the sake of Allaah.
Some contemporary scholars are of the view that jihad for the sake of Allaah includes jihad of knowledge, establishing proof, explaining and calling people to Allaah, so they regarded it as permissible to spend zakaah on da’wah to call people to Allaah, on the basis that this comes under the heading of “for Allaah’s Cause”.
We have quoted the fatwa of Shaykh Muhammad ibn Ibraaheem Aal al-Shaykh (may Allaah have mercy on him) and the statement of the Islamic Fiqh Council, please see the answer to question no. 121551.
Here we are referring to the fatwa of Shaykh Ibn Jibreen (may Allaah preserve him) which says that it is permissible to donate zakaah to da’wah efforts.
He was asked about donating zakaah to circles (halaqahs) for Qur'aan memorization, so that prizes may be given from zakaah to the students, as well as salaries for the teachers and drivers. He replied:
Because zakaah has been prescribed to meet the needs of the poor and weak, and it has also been prescribed to support charitable causes such as giving to mukaatibs (slaves who have contracts of manumission with their owners), mujaahideen, those who are cut off and those whose hearts are to be softened towards Islam, this indicates that it is prescribed for charitable causes which lead to good outcomes and will bring benefits, goodness and blessing to the Muslims. Our Shaykhs have issued fatwas stating that it may be spent on da’wah and calling people to Allaah, and the means of da’wah such as essays, tapes and salaries for full-time daa’iyahs. That also includes spending it on charitable schools for Qur’aan memorization, because of the good effect and outcomes that they have, and to encourage people to memorize and follow Qur’aan. I think it is permissible to give zakaah to these people if there are no other organizations who are doing that, so that these religious activities will not cease. End quote from the Shaykh’s website:
http://ibn-jebreen.com/ftawa.php?view=vmasal&subid=13108&parent=786
And Allaah knows best.
Islam Q&A
Praise be to Allaah.
Allaah has explained the categories on which zakaah may be spent in the verse in which He says (interpretation of the meaning):
“As-Sadaqaat (here it means Zakaah) are only for the Fuqaraa’ (poor), and Al‑Masaakeen (the poor) and those employed to collect (the funds); and to attract the hearts of those who have been inclined (towards Islam); and to free the captives; and for those in debt; and for Allaah’s Cause (i.e. for Mujaahidoon — those fighting in a holy battle), and for the wayfarer (a traveller who is cut off from everything); a duty imposed by Allaah. And Allaah is All-Knower, All-Wise”
[al-Tawbah 9:60]
It is not acceptable to spend zakaah funds on anything other than these eight categories.
Ibn Qudaamah (may Allaah have mercy on him) said in al-Mughni (2/280): It is not permissible to spend zakaah on anything other than what Allaah has mentioned here, such as building mosques, bridges and aqueducts, maintaining roads, shrouding the dead, providing hospitality to visitors and other acts of charity that Allaah did not mention here. End quote.
What is meant by “for Allaah’s Cause” is jihad for the sake of Allaah.
Some contemporary scholars are of the view that jihad for the sake of Allaah includes jihad of knowledge, establishing proof, explaining and calling people to Allaah, so they regarded it as permissible to spend zakaah on da’wah to call people to Allaah, on the basis that this comes under the heading of “for Allaah’s Cause”.
We have quoted the fatwa of Shaykh Muhammad ibn Ibraaheem Aal al-Shaykh (may Allaah have mercy on him) and the statement of the Islamic Fiqh Council, please see the answer to question no. 121551.
Here we are referring to the fatwa of Shaykh Ibn Jibreen (may Allaah preserve him) which says that it is permissible to donate zakaah to da’wah efforts.
He was asked about donating zakaah to circles (halaqahs) for Qur'aan memorization, so that prizes may be given from zakaah to the students, as well as salaries for the teachers and drivers. He replied:
Because zakaah has been prescribed to meet the needs of the poor and weak, and it has also been prescribed to support charitable causes such as giving to mukaatibs (slaves who have contracts of manumission with their owners), mujaahideen, those who are cut off and those whose hearts are to be softened towards Islam, this indicates that it is prescribed for charitable causes which lead to good outcomes and will bring benefits, goodness and blessing to the Muslims. Our Shaykhs have issued fatwas stating that it may be spent on da’wah and calling people to Allaah, and the means of da’wah such as essays, tapes and salaries for full-time daa’iyahs. That also includes spending it on charitable schools for Qur’aan memorization, because of the good effect and outcomes that they have, and to encourage people to memorize and follow Qur’aan. I think it is permissible to give zakaah to these people if there are no other organizations who are doing that, so that these religious activities will not cease. End quote from the Shaykh’s website:
http://ibn-jebreen.com/ftawa.php?view=vmasal&subid=13108&parent=786
And Allaah knows best.
Islam Q&A
Zakaat al-fitr on behalf of a wife who has been given a revocable divorce (first or second talaaq)
There is a woman whose husband has divorced her once. Does he have to pay zakaat al-fitr on her behalf?.
Praise be to Allaah.
Firstly:
Zakaat al-fitr is required from a man on his own behalf and on behalf of those on whom he is obliged to spend, such as his wife, child and so on, because of the report narrated by al-Daaraqutni and al-Bayhaqi from Ibn ‘Umar (may Allaah be pleased with him), that the Prophet SAWS (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) said: “Pay zakaat al-fitr on behalf of those whom you support.” But this is a da’eef (weak) hadeeth, which was classed as such by al-Daaraqutni, al-Bayhaqi, al-Nawawi, Ibn Hajar and others.
See: al-Majmoo’ (6/113) and Talkhees al-Habeer (2/771).
The scholars of the Standing Committee for Issuing Fatwas said: Zakaah al-fitr must be paid on behalf of oneself and everyone on whom one is obliged to spend, including one's wife, because he is obliged to spend on her. End quote.
Fataawa al-Lajnah al-Daa’imah li’l-Ifta (9/367).
Secondly:
If a woman has been given a revocable divorce, then she comes under the same rulings as a wife; she is entitled to the same maintenance and accommodation, so long as her ‘iddah has not yet ended. Payment of zakaat al-fitr is connected to spending; so long as the husband is obliged to spend on the wife who has been given a revocable divorce, then he also has to pay zakaat al-fitr on her behalf.
Al-Nawawi said in al-Majmoo’ (6/74): Our companions said: He has to pay zakaat al-fitr on behalf of his revocably divorced wife just as he has to spend on her. End quote.
Ibn Yoosuf al-Mawaaq, who is one of the Maalikis, said in al-Taaj wa’l-Ikleel (3/265): If he divorces a wife with whom he has consummated the marriage, giving her a revocable divorce, then he is obliged to spend on her and give zakaat al-fitr on her behalf. End quote.
Some scholars are of the view that the husband does not have to give zakaat al-fitr on behalf of his wife, rather it a duty that she must fulfil herself. This is the view of Imam Abu Haneefah (may Allaah have mercy on him) and was favoured by Shaykh Ibn ‘Uthaymeen. See the answer to question no. 99353.
The husband should do that which is on the safe side and discharge his duty by paying zakaat al-fitr on behalf of the wife to whom he has given a revocable divorce, especially as zakaat al-fitr is a small amount and it is not usually difficult for the husband to pay it.
And Allaah knows best.
Islam Q&A
Praise be to Allaah.
Firstly:
Zakaat al-fitr is required from a man on his own behalf and on behalf of those on whom he is obliged to spend, such as his wife, child and so on, because of the report narrated by al-Daaraqutni and al-Bayhaqi from Ibn ‘Umar (may Allaah be pleased with him), that the Prophet SAWS (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) said: “Pay zakaat al-fitr on behalf of those whom you support.” But this is a da’eef (weak) hadeeth, which was classed as such by al-Daaraqutni, al-Bayhaqi, al-Nawawi, Ibn Hajar and others.
See: al-Majmoo’ (6/113) and Talkhees al-Habeer (2/771).
The scholars of the Standing Committee for Issuing Fatwas said: Zakaah al-fitr must be paid on behalf of oneself and everyone on whom one is obliged to spend, including one's wife, because he is obliged to spend on her. End quote.
Fataawa al-Lajnah al-Daa’imah li’l-Ifta (9/367).
Secondly:
If a woman has been given a revocable divorce, then she comes under the same rulings as a wife; she is entitled to the same maintenance and accommodation, so long as her ‘iddah has not yet ended. Payment of zakaat al-fitr is connected to spending; so long as the husband is obliged to spend on the wife who has been given a revocable divorce, then he also has to pay zakaat al-fitr on her behalf.
Al-Nawawi said in al-Majmoo’ (6/74): Our companions said: He has to pay zakaat al-fitr on behalf of his revocably divorced wife just as he has to spend on her. End quote.
Ibn Yoosuf al-Mawaaq, who is one of the Maalikis, said in al-Taaj wa’l-Ikleel (3/265): If he divorces a wife with whom he has consummated the marriage, giving her a revocable divorce, then he is obliged to spend on her and give zakaat al-fitr on her behalf. End quote.
Some scholars are of the view that the husband does not have to give zakaat al-fitr on behalf of his wife, rather it a duty that she must fulfil herself. This is the view of Imam Abu Haneefah (may Allaah have mercy on him) and was favoured by Shaykh Ibn ‘Uthaymeen. See the answer to question no. 99353.
The husband should do that which is on the safe side and discharge his duty by paying zakaat al-fitr on behalf of the wife to whom he has given a revocable divorce, especially as zakaat al-fitr is a small amount and it is not usually difficult for the husband to pay it.
And Allaah knows best.
Islam Q&A
The husband does not have to pay fitrah for his wife with whom he has not consummated the marriage
A man has done the marriage contract with a woman but he has not consummated the marriage with her. Does he have to pay zakaat al-fitr on her behalf?.
Praise be to Allaah.
Firstly:
The scholars (may Allaah have mercy on them) differed as to whether a man has to pay zakaat al-fitr on behalf of those on whom he spends. There are two points of view:
1 – That he has to pay zakaat al-fitr on behalf of himself and those on whom he spends, such as his wife and son. This is the Hanbali point of view.
They quoted as evidence the report narrated by al-Daaraqutni and al-Bayhaqi from Ibn ‘Umar (may Allaah be pleased with him), that the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) said: “Pay sadaqat al-fitr on behalf of those whom you spend on.” But it is a da’eef (weak) hadeeth which was classed as such by al-Daaraqutni, al-Bayhaqi, Ibn al-‘Arabi, al-Dhahabi, al-Nawawi, Ibn Hajar and others.
See: al-Majmoo’ (6/113) and Talkhees al-Habeer (2/771).
This view was favoured by the scholars of the Standing Committee for Issuing Fatwas. They were asked: Does the husband have to pay zakaat al-fitr on behalf of a wife with whom he has a serious dispute, or not?
They replied: A man must pay zakaat al-fitr on behalf of himself and everyone on whom he is obliged to spend, which includes the wife, because he is obliged to spend on her. End quote.
Fataawa al-Lajnah al-Daa’imah li’l-Ifta (9/367).
This view was also favoured by Shaykh Ibn Baaz (may Allaah have mercy on him) as it says in Majmoo’ al-Fataawa (14/197).
2 – He does not have to pay zakaat al-fitr on behalf of anyone else. This is the view of the Hanafis.
They quoted as evidence the hadeeth of Ibn ‘Umar (may Allaah be pleased with him) who said: The Messenger of Allaah (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) enjoined zakaat al-fitr, a saa’ of dates or a saa’ of barley, on slave and free, male and female, young and old, among the Muslims. Narrated by al-Bukhaari (1503) and Muslim (984).
This hadeeth indicates that it is obligatory upon everyone among the Muslims, and the basic principle is that the one on whom it is obligatory is each individual.
This view was favoured by Shaykh Ibn ‘Uthaymeen (may Allaah have mercy on him) in al-Sharh al-Mumti’ (6/154):
The correct view is that zakaat al-fitr is due from a man on his own behalf, and from his wife on her own behalf, and on the father on his own behalf, and from his daughter on her own behalf; it is not obligatory for a man to pay it on behalf of those on whom he spends, such as his wife and relatives. The basic principle with regard to obligatory duties is that they are required of each person as an individual and not on behalf of anyone else. End quote.
Secondly:
The husband is only required to pay zakaat al-fitr on behalf of his wife if he spends on her. It is well known that spending on one's wife is only obligatory if the wife is now living with the husband and she has allowed him to be intimate with her. If the wife is still living in her father’s house, then the husband does not have to spend on her, or pay zakaah al-fitr on her behalf.
Ibn Qudaamah said in al-Mughni (2/361): Every wife on whom he does not have to spend, such as one with whom he has not consummated the marriage because she has not joined him yet or she is a minor with whom he cannot be intimate, he does not have to spend on her or pay zakaat al-fitr on her behalf, because she is not one of those on whom he spends. End quote.
Al-Bahooti (may Allaah have mercy on him) said in Kashshaaf al-Qinaa’ (2/252): The husband does not have to pay zakaat al-fitr on behalf of those on whom he is not obliged to spend, such as a wife with whom he has not consummated the marriage if she has not joined him yet.
End quote.
And Allaah knows best.
Islam Q&A
Praise be to Allaah.
Firstly:
The scholars (may Allaah have mercy on them) differed as to whether a man has to pay zakaat al-fitr on behalf of those on whom he spends. There are two points of view:
1 – That he has to pay zakaat al-fitr on behalf of himself and those on whom he spends, such as his wife and son. This is the Hanbali point of view.
They quoted as evidence the report narrated by al-Daaraqutni and al-Bayhaqi from Ibn ‘Umar (may Allaah be pleased with him), that the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) said: “Pay sadaqat al-fitr on behalf of those whom you spend on.” But it is a da’eef (weak) hadeeth which was classed as such by al-Daaraqutni, al-Bayhaqi, Ibn al-‘Arabi, al-Dhahabi, al-Nawawi, Ibn Hajar and others.
See: al-Majmoo’ (6/113) and Talkhees al-Habeer (2/771).
This view was favoured by the scholars of the Standing Committee for Issuing Fatwas. They were asked: Does the husband have to pay zakaat al-fitr on behalf of a wife with whom he has a serious dispute, or not?
They replied: A man must pay zakaat al-fitr on behalf of himself and everyone on whom he is obliged to spend, which includes the wife, because he is obliged to spend on her. End quote.
Fataawa al-Lajnah al-Daa’imah li’l-Ifta (9/367).
This view was also favoured by Shaykh Ibn Baaz (may Allaah have mercy on him) as it says in Majmoo’ al-Fataawa (14/197).
2 – He does not have to pay zakaat al-fitr on behalf of anyone else. This is the view of the Hanafis.
They quoted as evidence the hadeeth of Ibn ‘Umar (may Allaah be pleased with him) who said: The Messenger of Allaah (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) enjoined zakaat al-fitr, a saa’ of dates or a saa’ of barley, on slave and free, male and female, young and old, among the Muslims. Narrated by al-Bukhaari (1503) and Muslim (984).
This hadeeth indicates that it is obligatory upon everyone among the Muslims, and the basic principle is that the one on whom it is obligatory is each individual.
This view was favoured by Shaykh Ibn ‘Uthaymeen (may Allaah have mercy on him) in al-Sharh al-Mumti’ (6/154):
The correct view is that zakaat al-fitr is due from a man on his own behalf, and from his wife on her own behalf, and on the father on his own behalf, and from his daughter on her own behalf; it is not obligatory for a man to pay it on behalf of those on whom he spends, such as his wife and relatives. The basic principle with regard to obligatory duties is that they are required of each person as an individual and not on behalf of anyone else. End quote.
Secondly:
The husband is only required to pay zakaat al-fitr on behalf of his wife if he spends on her. It is well known that spending on one's wife is only obligatory if the wife is now living with the husband and she has allowed him to be intimate with her. If the wife is still living in her father’s house, then the husband does not have to spend on her, or pay zakaah al-fitr on her behalf.
Ibn Qudaamah said in al-Mughni (2/361): Every wife on whom he does not have to spend, such as one with whom he has not consummated the marriage because she has not joined him yet or she is a minor with whom he cannot be intimate, he does not have to spend on her or pay zakaat al-fitr on her behalf, because she is not one of those on whom he spends. End quote.
Al-Bahooti (may Allaah have mercy on him) said in Kashshaaf al-Qinaa’ (2/252): The husband does not have to pay zakaat al-fitr on behalf of those on whom he is not obliged to spend, such as a wife with whom he has not consummated the marriage if she has not joined him yet.
End quote.
And Allaah knows best.
Islam Q&A
Friday, 26 August 2011
Rulings and issues about praying on a chair
Rulings and issues about praying on a chair
During Taraweeh prayer, some worshippers need to sit on a chair. We know that the rear legs of the chair should be placed in line with the row if the person is going sit throughout the prayer, but my question is: how should it be lined up in the following cases:
1- When the person sit on the chair during the standing only
2- When he sits on the chair during bowing, prostration or the tashahhud
3- When he sits on the chair during various parts of the prayer?.
Praise be to Allaah.
Firstly:
Standing, bowing and prostrating are pillars or essential parts of the prayer. Whoever can do them, it is obligatory for him to do them in the manner prescribed in sharee’ah. Whoever is not able to do them because of sickness or old age, it is Sunnah for him to sit on the ground or on a chair.
Allaah says (interpretation of the meaning):
“Guard strictly (five obligatory) As‑Salawaat (the prayers) especially the middle Salaah (i.e. the best prayer ‑ ‘Asr). And stand before Allaah with obedience [and do not speak to others during the Salaah (prayers)]”
[al-Baqarah 2:238]
It was narrated that ‘Imraan ibn Husayn (may Allaah be pleased with him) said: I had haemorrhoids so I asked the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) about praying. He said: “Pray standing up; if you cannot, then pray sitting down; and if you cannot, then pray (lying) on your side.” Narrated by al-Bukhaari, 1066.
Ibn Qudaamah al-Maqdisi said:
The scholars are unanimously agreed that if a person cannot stand then he may pray sitting down. Al-Mughni, 1/443
Al-Nawawi said:
The ummah is unanimously agreed that whoever is unable to stand during the obligatory prayer may pray sitting, and he does not have to repeat it. Our companions said: his reward will not be less than the reward for praying standing, because he is excused. It is proven in Saheeh al-Bukhaari that the Messenger of Allaah (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) said: “If a person is sick or travelling, the same reward will be written for him with regard to what he used to do when he was not travelling and was healthy.”
Al-Majmoo’, 4/226
Al-Shawkaani said:
The hadeeth of ‘Imraan indicates that it is permissible for one who has an excuse and cannot stand to pray sitting, and for one who has an excuse and cannot pray sitting to pray lying on his side.
Nayl al-Awtaar, 3/243
Shaykh al-Islam Ibn Taymiyah said:
The Muslims are agreed that if a worshipper is unable to do some of the obligatory duties of prayer, such as standing, reciting, bowing, prostrating, covering the ‘awrah, facing the qiblah etc, then what he is unable to do is waived for him. End quote from Majmoo’ al-Fataawa, 8/437
Based on that, if a person offers an obligatory prayer sitting when he is able to stand, his prayer is invalid.
Secondly:
It should be noted that if a person is exempted from standing, his excuse does not make it permissible for him to sit on the chair to bow and prostrate.
If he is exempted from bowing and prostrating in the proper manner, that excuse does not make it permissible for him not to stand and to sit on the chair instead.
The basic principle with regard to the obligatory duties of prayer is that whatever the worshipper can do, he is obliged to do it, and whatever he is unable to do, is waived for him.
Whoever is unable to stand, it is permissible for him to sit on a chair during the standing, and he should bow and prostrate in the proper manner. If he is able to stand but it is difficult for him to bow and prostrate, he should pray standing, then sit on the chair when bowing and prostrating, and he should bend lower for the prostration than for the bowing.
See also question no. 9307 and 36738.
Ibn Qudaamah al-Maqdisi said:
If a person is able to stand but he cannot bow or prostrate, the standing is not waived for him; he should pray standing and tilt his head for the bowing, then sit down and tilt his head for the prostration. This is the view of al-Shaafa’i…
Because Allaah says (interpretation of the meaning): “And stand before Allaah with obedience” [al-Baqarah 2:238], and the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) said: “Pray standing.” And because standing is one of the pillars (essential parts of prayer) for the one who is able to do it, so he must do it, like the recitation. Being unable to do other things does not mean that this is waived, as is also the case if he is unable to recite. End quote from al-Mughni, 1/44.
Shaykh ‘Abd al-‘Azeez ibn Baaz (may Allaah have mercy on him) said:
The one who prays sitting on the ground or on a chair must make his prostration lower than his bowing. The Sunnah is for him to put his hands on his knees when bowing, and when prostrating the Sunnah is to put them on the ground if possible; if he cannot do that then he should put them on his knees, because it was proven that the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) said: “I have been commanded to prostrate on seven bones: the forehead – and he pointed to his nose – the two hands, the two knees, and the edges of the two feet (i.e., the toes).”
If a person is unable to do that and prays on a chair, there is nothing wrong with that, because Allaah says (interpretation of the meaning):
“So keep your duty to Allaah and fear Him as much as you can”
[al-Taghaabaun 64:16]
and the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) said: “If I tell you to do a thing, then do as much of it as you can.” Saheeh – agreed upon.
Fataawa Ibn Baaz, 12/245, 246.
Thirdly:
With regard to the placement of the chair in the row, the scholars (may Allaah have mercy on them) stated that the one who prays sitting down should have his posterior in line with the row when he is sitting, so he should not be in front of the row or behind it at that point, because that is the place in which the body settles.
See Asnaa al-Mataalib, 1/222; Tuhfat al-Muhtaaj, 2/157; Sharh Muntaha al-Iraadaat, 1/279.
It says in al-Mawsoo’ah al-Fiqhiyyah (6/21):
In order for a person’s following the imam to be valid, he should not stand in front of the imam according to the majority of fuqaha’ (Hanafis, Shaafaa’is and Hanbalis).
How do we know whether he is in front of the imam or not, it is judged by where the heels are. If they are standing level at the heel and the toes of the one who is praying behind the imam turn out to be in front because he has longer feet, that does not matter. With regard to those who are sitting, it is judged by where the posterior is. And with regard to those who are praying on their sides, it is judged by their sides.
If the worshipper is going to pray on the chair from the beginning of the prayer until the end, then he should make the place where he will sit level with the row.
If he is going to pray standing, but he will sit on the chair when he bows and prostrates, we asked Shaykh ‘Abd al-Rahmaan al-Barraak about that, and he said that what matters here is the standing position, so he should be level with the row when standing.
Based on this, the chair will be behind the row, so it should be placed in such a manner that it will not disturb worshippers in the row behind.
And Allaah knows best.
Islam Q&A
During Taraweeh prayer, some worshippers need to sit on a chair. We know that the rear legs of the chair should be placed in line with the row if the person is going sit throughout the prayer, but my question is: how should it be lined up in the following cases:
1- When the person sit on the chair during the standing only
2- When he sits on the chair during bowing, prostration or the tashahhud
3- When he sits on the chair during various parts of the prayer?.
Praise be to Allaah.
Firstly:
Standing, bowing and prostrating are pillars or essential parts of the prayer. Whoever can do them, it is obligatory for him to do them in the manner prescribed in sharee’ah. Whoever is not able to do them because of sickness or old age, it is Sunnah for him to sit on the ground or on a chair.
Allaah says (interpretation of the meaning):
“Guard strictly (five obligatory) As‑Salawaat (the prayers) especially the middle Salaah (i.e. the best prayer ‑ ‘Asr). And stand before Allaah with obedience [and do not speak to others during the Salaah (prayers)]”
[al-Baqarah 2:238]
It was narrated that ‘Imraan ibn Husayn (may Allaah be pleased with him) said: I had haemorrhoids so I asked the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) about praying. He said: “Pray standing up; if you cannot, then pray sitting down; and if you cannot, then pray (lying) on your side.” Narrated by al-Bukhaari, 1066.
Ibn Qudaamah al-Maqdisi said:
The scholars are unanimously agreed that if a person cannot stand then he may pray sitting down. Al-Mughni, 1/443
Al-Nawawi said:
The ummah is unanimously agreed that whoever is unable to stand during the obligatory prayer may pray sitting, and he does not have to repeat it. Our companions said: his reward will not be less than the reward for praying standing, because he is excused. It is proven in Saheeh al-Bukhaari that the Messenger of Allaah (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) said: “If a person is sick or travelling, the same reward will be written for him with regard to what he used to do when he was not travelling and was healthy.”
Al-Majmoo’, 4/226
Al-Shawkaani said:
The hadeeth of ‘Imraan indicates that it is permissible for one who has an excuse and cannot stand to pray sitting, and for one who has an excuse and cannot pray sitting to pray lying on his side.
Nayl al-Awtaar, 3/243
Shaykh al-Islam Ibn Taymiyah said:
The Muslims are agreed that if a worshipper is unable to do some of the obligatory duties of prayer, such as standing, reciting, bowing, prostrating, covering the ‘awrah, facing the qiblah etc, then what he is unable to do is waived for him. End quote from Majmoo’ al-Fataawa, 8/437
Based on that, if a person offers an obligatory prayer sitting when he is able to stand, his prayer is invalid.
Secondly:
It should be noted that if a person is exempted from standing, his excuse does not make it permissible for him to sit on the chair to bow and prostrate.
If he is exempted from bowing and prostrating in the proper manner, that excuse does not make it permissible for him not to stand and to sit on the chair instead.
The basic principle with regard to the obligatory duties of prayer is that whatever the worshipper can do, he is obliged to do it, and whatever he is unable to do, is waived for him.
Whoever is unable to stand, it is permissible for him to sit on a chair during the standing, and he should bow and prostrate in the proper manner. If he is able to stand but it is difficult for him to bow and prostrate, he should pray standing, then sit on the chair when bowing and prostrating, and he should bend lower for the prostration than for the bowing.
See also question no. 9307 and 36738.
Ibn Qudaamah al-Maqdisi said:
If a person is able to stand but he cannot bow or prostrate, the standing is not waived for him; he should pray standing and tilt his head for the bowing, then sit down and tilt his head for the prostration. This is the view of al-Shaafa’i…
Because Allaah says (interpretation of the meaning): “And stand before Allaah with obedience” [al-Baqarah 2:238], and the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) said: “Pray standing.” And because standing is one of the pillars (essential parts of prayer) for the one who is able to do it, so he must do it, like the recitation. Being unable to do other things does not mean that this is waived, as is also the case if he is unable to recite. End quote from al-Mughni, 1/44.
Shaykh ‘Abd al-‘Azeez ibn Baaz (may Allaah have mercy on him) said:
The one who prays sitting on the ground or on a chair must make his prostration lower than his bowing. The Sunnah is for him to put his hands on his knees when bowing, and when prostrating the Sunnah is to put them on the ground if possible; if he cannot do that then he should put them on his knees, because it was proven that the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) said: “I have been commanded to prostrate on seven bones: the forehead – and he pointed to his nose – the two hands, the two knees, and the edges of the two feet (i.e., the toes).”
If a person is unable to do that and prays on a chair, there is nothing wrong with that, because Allaah says (interpretation of the meaning):
“So keep your duty to Allaah and fear Him as much as you can”
[al-Taghaabaun 64:16]
and the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) said: “If I tell you to do a thing, then do as much of it as you can.” Saheeh – agreed upon.
Fataawa Ibn Baaz, 12/245, 246.
Thirdly:
With regard to the placement of the chair in the row, the scholars (may Allaah have mercy on them) stated that the one who prays sitting down should have his posterior in line with the row when he is sitting, so he should not be in front of the row or behind it at that point, because that is the place in which the body settles.
See Asnaa al-Mataalib, 1/222; Tuhfat al-Muhtaaj, 2/157; Sharh Muntaha al-Iraadaat, 1/279.
It says in al-Mawsoo’ah al-Fiqhiyyah (6/21):
In order for a person’s following the imam to be valid, he should not stand in front of the imam according to the majority of fuqaha’ (Hanafis, Shaafaa’is and Hanbalis).
How do we know whether he is in front of the imam or not, it is judged by where the heels are. If they are standing level at the heel and the toes of the one who is praying behind the imam turn out to be in front because he has longer feet, that does not matter. With regard to those who are sitting, it is judged by where the posterior is. And with regard to those who are praying on their sides, it is judged by their sides.
If the worshipper is going to pray on the chair from the beginning of the prayer until the end, then he should make the place where he will sit level with the row.
If he is going to pray standing, but he will sit on the chair when he bows and prostrates, we asked Shaykh ‘Abd al-Rahmaan al-Barraak about that, and he said that what matters here is the standing position, so he should be level with the row when standing.
Based on this, the chair will be behind the row, so it should be placed in such a manner that it will not disturb worshippers in the row behind.
And Allaah knows best.
Islam Q&A
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