Eid-ul-Fitr, A Day Of Joy In Islam That Promotes Brotherhood, Love, And Unity

By Ghulam Ghaus Siddiqi, New Age Islam 10 April 2024 Eid al-Fitr and Sadaqah al-Fitr: Some Important Issues Main Points 1. What is the meaning of Eid al-Fitr? 2. Why is Eid al-Fitr regarded as a day of joy and happiness? 3. When did Eid Salah become obligatory? 4. What is the virtue of praying on the night preceding Eid ul-Fitr? 5. What is Sadaqat al-Fitr, or Fast-Breaking Charity? 6. Why pay Sadaqah al-Fitr? 7. When should a Muslim pay Sadaqah al-Fitr? 8. Whom to Pay Sadaqah al-Fitr? 9. What is the purpose of Sadaqah al-Fitr? 10. An extremely crucial thing to remember about Sadaqah al-Fitr ------ What Is The Meaning Of Eid Al-Fitr? The term "Eid," originating from Arabic, signifies a feast, festivity, celebration, and recurring happy occasion. Fitr means the conclusion of fasting. Eid al-Fitr is a yearly celebration that brings renewed happiness at the end of Ramadan, symbolizing the end of the fasting month. The celebration of Eid brings joy, social bonds, and compassion among Muslims, demonstrating their unity through festive celebrations that ease life's burdens. Why Is Eid Al-Fitr Regarded As A Day Of Joy And Happiness? Eid al-Fitr is a conglomeration of numerous joys. One is the pleasure of observing a fast throughout Ramadan. The delight of standing in prayer at night throughout Ramadan is the second. The revelation of the Qur'an this month is the third source of happiness. The Night of Qadr is the subject of the fourth joy. The fifth is the happiness that comes from fasting, followed by divine mercy, forgiveness, and protection from the vengeance of Hell. Subsequently, it is mandated to convey all these delights through almsgiving, or Sadaqat al-Fitr, to establish a connection between prayer and charity. For these reasons, Eid al-Fitr is referred to as a "day of joy" for the believers. When Did Eid Salah Become Obligatory? It was narrated that Anas bin Malik said: "The people of the Jahiliyyah had two days each year when they would play. When the Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) came to Madinah, he said, ‘You had two days when you would play, but Allah Almighty has given Muslims something instead that is better than them: the day of Al-Fitr and the day of Al-Adha’." [Sunan an-Nasai 1556 (Book 19, Hadith 1)] The hadith of Anas bin Malik explains that the Prophet Muhammad introduced Islamic holidays, Eid al-Fitr and Eid al-Adha, in substitution of pre-Islamic days of play. Eid al-Fitr marks the end of Ramadan, while Eid al-Adha commemorates Hadrat Abraham's sacrifice of his son at God's command. This is how the prayers for Eid al-Fitr and Eid al-Adha started in Islam. Ibn Jarir al-Tabari, a famous historian, states that the first Eid prayer led by the Messenger of Allah took place in the second year of Hijra. [Taarikh al-Tabari] What Is The Virtue Of Praying On The Night Preceding Eid Al-Fitr? Praying the night before Eid is far more virtue-filled than worshipping during regular days. This night is called Laylat al-Jaiza, or Night of Rewards. Laylat al-Jaiza is one of the five nights during which prayers and supplications are not rejected. The Messenger of Allah is reported to have said, “There are five nights on which du’a is not rejected: the first night of Rajab, the fifteenth night of Sha’ban, Thursday night, the night before Eid al-Fitr, and the night before Eid al-Nahr (al-Adha)’. [Mundhiri, al-Targhib wa al-Tarhib, 1/182] The Messenger of Allah used to spend this night in prayer and supplication. He would read the Quran, offer up Nafil prayers—which are optional—and ask God for forgiveness. He would also offer optional Tahajjud prayers, which are best offered in the later hours of the night. As Muslims fast during the month of Ramadan, this is a significant night when they can receive blessings and rewards from God. They must maximise this night by performing acts of prayer and supplication. It is a time for introspection, self-improvement, and asking God for forgiveness. The following hadith also addresses the merits of praying on this night: It is narrated on the authority of Abu Umama that the Messenger of Allah (may peace be upon him) said, “Whoever stands up (in worship) in the nights preceding the two Eids expecting rewards from his Lord, his heart will not die when the other hearts will die.” [Ibn Majah, Al-Sunan, Kitab al-Sayam, 2:377, Hadith 1782] What is Sadaqat al-Fitr, or Fast-Breaking Charity? Sadaqat or Sadaqah means charity, while Fitr means breaking the fast. Hence, Sadaqat al-Fitr means charity for breaking the fast of Ramadan. Zakat al-Fitr, or Zakat of Breaking the Fast, is another name for this. This is sometimes referred to as the Alms of Human Nature or Zakat al-Fitrah. This is also known as Fitrah. Islam requires all eligible Muslims to do the great duty of Sadaqah al-Fitr, or an act of charity that Allah loves, at the end of Ramadan. The purpose of Sadaqah al-Fitr is to enable the poor to meet their needs and be happy on the day of Eid. A Muslim can obtain acceptance from Allah for his fast, atone for any transgressions committed during the fast, and be saved from the torment of the grave and hellfire by paying Sadaqah al-Fitr. Why Pay Sadaqah al-Fitr? Sadaqah al-Fitr is compulsory (Wajib) for every free Muslim who owns an amount equal to the Nisab in excess of what is necessary for the satisfaction of the primary necessities of life (Haajah Asliyyah). According to Hanafis, three conditions are stipulated: the giver must (1) be free, (2) be a Muslim, and (3) own a Nisab. The obligation is due to the words of the Prophet (peace be upon him), “Pay for each free person and slave, minor or major, one-half Sa’ of wheat, or one Sa’ of dates, or one Sa’ of barely." (Sunan Abu Dawud, vol. 2, p. 406) It is reported by Abdullah Ibn Umar that the Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) enjoined the payment of one Sa' of dates or one Sa' of barley as Zakat-ul-Fitr on every Muslim slave or free, male or female, young or old, and he ordered that it be paid before the people went out to offer the 'Eid prayer. (Bukhari and Muslim) It is narrated that Abdullah ibn Abbas said at the end of Ramadan, “Pay Sadaqah for your fasts, for this Sadaqah has been stipulated by the Messenger of Allah, which is one Sa' of dates or one Sa' of barley, or half Sa’ of wheat." (Abu Dawud and Nasai) It is reported that the Prophet (peace be upon him) sent a person into the neighbourhoods of Makkah and said, “Announce that the Sadaqah al-Fitr is waajib (compulsory). (Tirmidhi) It is reported from Ibn Abbas that the Prophet (peace be upon him) stipulated the Zakat al-Fitr so that the fasts may be purified from shameless and vulgar utterances and so that the needy (Miskeen) may be fed. (Abu Dawud, Ibn Majah, Haakim) It is reported from Hazrat Anas that the Messenger of Allah said, “The fasts of a servant remain suspended between the skies and the earth until he does not discharge the Sadaqah al-Fitr. (Dailami, Ibn Asaakir) With the aforementioned narrations, Sadaqah al-Fitr, according to Hanafis, becomes compulsory (Wajib) and not a definitive obligation (Farz) due to the absence of definitive evidence (Dalil Qati’i). Imam Shafei and Imam Hanbal consider it Farz-like Zakat, whereas Imam Malik believes this act to be Sunnah Mu’akkadah. Sadaqah al-Fitr is compulsory for every free Muslim who owns the Nisab which is more than the primary necessities of life (Hajah Asliyyah). There is no condition of sanity (aqil), puberty (Baaligh), and productive wealth (Maal Al Naami). (Durre Mukhtar, vol. 2, p. 99) It is compulsory for a father to pay the Fitra on behalf of his children as well if the minors themselves do not own the Nisab. However, if the minors own the Nisab, the fitra should be paid up from their wealth. Fasting is not conditional on Fitra becoming compulsory. If a person did not fast due to some valid reason, such as travelling, illness, or old age, it is still compulsory for him to pay it. (Raddul Muhtar, vol. 2, p. 101) A Muslim is not obliged to pay the Fitra on behalf of his wife due to inadequate authority and liability of burden, for he does not have authority over her beyond the rights of Nikah. He also does not bear her burden, except in the case of prescribed matters like medical treatment. Similarly, he is not liable for the Fitra of his children who have attained the age of majority, even if he is responsible for their provisions and they are still part of their family, due to a lack of legal authority. However, if he does pay it on behalf of his children and his wife without a request on their part, it will be counted as valid based on Istihsan due to the confirmation of permission in practice. [Hidaya, chapter Sadaqah al-Fitr/Durre Mukhtar, vol. 2, p. 10] If the wife paid the Fitra of her husband without his authority, it would not be deemed valid. (Alamgiri, vol. 1, p. 193; Raddul Muhtar, vol. 2, p. 102/103, etc.) One is not obliged to pay the Fitrah on behalf of his mother, father, paternal grandfather, paternal grandmother, and his Na-Baaligh brothers, nor on behalf of his other relatives, and he cannot do so without their authority. [Alamgiri, vol. 1, p. 193] When Should A Muslim Pay Sadaqah Al-Fitr? A Muslim should pay Sadaqah al-Fitr on the day of Eid after the true dawn (Subh e Sadiq) appears. It is recommended to pay the Fitra on the day of Eid before going towards the place of Eid prayer because the Prophet (peace be upon him) used to pay it before moving towards the place of prayer (Hidaya). If he has not paid it in the stipulated period, he should pay it now as he has his entire life to pay it, and this will be regarded as ‘on time’ (Ada) and not Qaza, though it is Sunnah to do so before the Eid prayer. (Durre Mukhtar) Whom to Pay Sadaqah al-Fitr? The recipients of Sadaqah al-Fitr are the same as those of Zakah. In other words, you may give Fitrah to those to whom you may give Zakah, and you are not permitted to give Fitrah to those to whom you are not permitted to give Zakaat, except an ‘Aamil’ (Zakaat Collector appointed by the Islamic Ruler), because he is permitted to accept Zakaat but not Fitrah. (Durre-Mukhtar, Raddul Muhtar, vol. 1, p. 108; Bahare Shariat, p. 148) The categories of recipients who deserve to receive the Fitra, as mentioned in Surah Tawbah (9:60), include the poor (Faqir), the needy or indigent (Miskeen), reconciliation of hearts, freeing captives and slaves, debtors, in the way of Allah (fi Sabilillah), and the traveller. As for the Zakah collectors mentioned in this verse, they deserve to accept Zakah but not Fitrah, as mentioned above. Sadaqah al-Fitr is offered out of four substances: (1) wheat (Genhu), (2) barely (Jau), (3) dried dates (Khujur), and (4) raisins (Kishmish). In the case of wheat, the amount due is one-half Sa’ per person. In the case of barely dried dates and raisins, one full Sa’ is due per person. According to in-depth research, the weight of one Sa’ equates to the weight of 351 rupees, and half a Sa’ equates to the weight of 175 rupees (Fatawa Razviyya, Ala Hazrat). According to Mufti Jalaluddin Amjadi, the quantity of one Sa’ in today’s measurement is approximately 4.94 kilogrammes, and half a Sa’ is 2.47 kilogrammes (Anwar-e-Shariat). There are differences regarding the exact measurement; however, this view can be taken as preferable. Thus, any one of the following substances can be given as Fitrah; (1) Dried dates: one Sa’ = 4.94 kg (2) Barely: one Sa’ = 4.94 kg (3) Raisins: one Sa’ = 4.94 kg (4) Wheat: one half of one Sa’ = 2.47 kg It is also permissible to calculate the amount of Sadaqah al-Fitr due based on the substance’s value and to offer its value in money instead. This is considered preferable because it is of more benefit to the poor. It is permissible to pay Sadaqah al-Fitr on behalf of a group to a single needy person or to pay it on behalf of a single person to several needy people. What Is The Purpose Of Sadaqah Al-Fitr? There are two basic purposes behind paying Sadaqah al-Fitr. (1) It should be paid as a levy on the fasting person. This is based on the Hadith in which the Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) is reported to have said, “The fasts of a servant remain suspended between the skies and the earth until he does not discharge the Sadaqah al-Fitr” (Dailami, Ibn Asaakir). (2) The second basic purpose is to meet the needs of the poor so that they can celebrate Eid al-Fitr with others. The Prophet (peace be upon him) is reported to have stipulated the Zakat ul Fitr so that the fasts may be purified from shameless and vulgar utterances and so that the needy (Miskeen) may be fed. (Abu Dawud, Ibn Majah, Haakim) An Extremely Crucial Thing To Remember If one can pay the amount of dried dates or raisins, he should pay the same instead of paying the quantity or amount of wheat, which is cheaper and not more beneficial for the poor and needy people. While planning to pay any type of Sadaqah, one should adopt the means that can be more helpful for the needy, as the main objective of Sadaqah al-Fitr, in the words of a Hadith, is “to liberate the needy from the humiliation of begging and walking around on this day (Eid al-Fitr)”. ----- A regular Columnist with NewAgeIslam.com, Ghulam Ghaus Siddiqi Dehlvi is a Classical Islamic scholar with a Sufi background and an English-Arabic-Urdu Translator. URL: https://newageislam.com/islam-spiritualism/eid-fitr-joy-brotherhood-peace-love-unity/d/132117 New Age Islam, Islam Online, Islamic Website, African Muslim News, Arab World News, South Asia News, Indian Muslim News, World Muslim News, Women in Islam, Islamic Feminism, Arab Women, Women In Arab, Islamophobia in America, Muslim Women in West, Islam Women and Feminism