What were the commodities for zakat al-fitr during the time of Prophet Muhammad SAW? Why wheat and dates? How does zakat al-fitr work in Indonesia? Find your answers here.
Zakat al-fitr is a religious duty for every capable Muslim during the holy month of Ramadan. Unlike zakat al-mal, which is calculated based on wealth, zakat al-fitr is assessed based on the soul, not possessions. Its primary objectives are purifying oneself from sins committed during fasting and assisting the less fortunate.
But did you know that during the era of Prophet Muhammad SAW, rice or money were not the commodities for zakat al-fitr? So, what were the commodities used for zakat al-fitr during his time? The answer lies in wheat and dates.
Why Wheat and Dates?
Wheat and dates are two staple foods widely consumed by the Arab people, particularly in the regions of Mecca and Medina. These foods are easily obtainable and have a long shelf life. Hence, wheat and dates were the ideal choices as commodities for zakat al-fitr.
This aligns with a hadith of the Prophet Muhammad SAW, narrated by Abu Dawud:
"Rasulullah SAW obligated the payment of zakat al-fitr during Ramadan for the people, equivalent to one sa' of dates or one sa' of barley, on every free person, slave, male, and female among the Muslims."
How Much is Zakat al-Fitr per Person?
During the time of Prophet Muhammad SAW, the standard measurement for zakat al-fitr per person was one sa' or approximately 3 kg. If using wheat or dates, the measurement remained one sa'. However, if different food items like burr (wheat flour), sya'ir (corn), zabib (raisins), or aqith (beans) were used, the measurement could vary.
This complies with a hadith from both Bukhari and Muslim:
"Give it on behalf of every free person and slave, young and old, half a sa' of wheat or one sa' of dates or a sa' of barley."
Another hadith adds:
"We used to give zakat al-fitr when the Prophet was alive as one sa' of wheat, or one sa' of dates, or one sa' of corn, or one sa' of raisins, or one sa' of beans, and I continued to give it like that during the caliphate of Abu Bakr and Umar."
What About Zakat al-Fitr in Indonesia?
In Indonesia, zakat al-fitr is typically fulfilled with rice because rice is the staple food for a significant portion of the population. However, it can also be paid in money, provided that its value is equivalent to the prevailing price of rice in the region.
This aligns with the fatwa (religious decree) of the Indonesian Ulama Council (MUI) No. 3 of 2003 regarding zakat al-fitr. It states that zakat al-fitr can be paid in cash under certain conditions:
- The money should be handed over to a trusted zakat collector (amil zakat).
- The amil zakat must convert the money into suitable staple foods for the recipients (mustahik).
- The amil zakat must distribute these staple foods to the mustahik before the Eid al-Fitr prayer.
We hope this article has been informative and has broadened your understanding of zakat al-fitr. Don't forget to fulfill your zakat al-fitr obligation before the Eid al-Fitr prayer, so you can experience the blessings and purity bestowed by Allah SWT. Ameen.
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