The UAE Fatwa Council further elaborated on the specific quantity of Zakat Al Fitr, equating it to 2.5 kilograms of rice per person.
The UAE Fatwa Council has recently reaffirmed the permissibility of giving Zakat Al Fitr in cash, establishing a recommended value of Dh25 per person for the year 1445 AH. This directive highlights the Council's commitment to providing clear guidance on religious obligations and ensuring compliance among the Muslim community in the UAE.
Zakat al-Fitr is a fundamental obligation for financially capable Muslims, regardless of age or gender. It serves as a means of purifying one's wealth and supporting those in need during the auspicious month of Ramadan. The responsibility for fulfilling Zakat Al Fitr rests primarily with the head of the household, who is tasked with ensuring that their spouse, children, and dependents also contribute to this charitable obligation.
In preparation for Eid al-Fitr, the Council issued a statement underscoring the mandatory nature of Zakat al-Fitr, referencing the hadith narrated by Ibn Omar. According to this hadith, the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) made Sadaqat Al Fitr obligatory, specifying either a sa' of barley or a sa' of dates as the prescribed amount. This clarification serves to reinforce the importance of fulfilling Zakat al-Fitr as an integral part of the Ramadan observance.
This standardized measurement facilitates consistency and ease of implementation across the Muslim community. Moreover, the Council emphasized that Zakat Al Fitr can be fulfilled either through the provision of rice or through monetary means, thereby accommodating varying individual circumstances and preferences.
By permitting the distribution of Zakat al-Fitr in cash, the Council acknowledges the evolving nature of economic transactions and seeks to ensure that Muslims can fulfill their religious obligations in a manner that aligns with contemporary practices. This decision reflects the Council's adaptability and responsiveness to the needs of the Muslim community in the UAE, ultimately fostering greater adherence to Islamic principles and values.
The UAE Fatwa Council's confirmation of the permissibility of giving Zakat Al Fitr in cash, alongside its recommendation of Dh25 per person, reaffirms the importance of fulfilling this religious obligation while providing practical guidance for Muslims in the UAE.
