The New Nation - Internet Edition

The Arabic word 'Fitr' means 'to break'. 'Sadaqatul Fitr' is the charity paid at the time of breaking of fasting-the end of Ramzan. It is given to the poor and the needy on the occasion of Holy Eid-ul-Fitr, meaning 'Eid of Fitr.' The Sadaqah, popularly known as 'Fitra', is obligatory for any person who is matured, conscious, sane and financially able at the sunset on the last of Ramzan. 'Fitra' should be paid for a person and his dependants.

'Fitra' is a means of practical sympathy, a symbolic co-operation to the poor and the needy to enable them to participate in the joys of the festival of Eid-ul-Fitr. The Quran and the Sunnah proclaims the 'right' of the poor in the wealth of the solvent and the rich people. The 'Fitra' is also that 'right' due to them. It reminds us of our all time responsibility and economic obligation to the destitute.

Rusulullah (Sm) said. 'Make such charity in the Day of Eid so that the poor people become rich and there remains no need for them to seek alms from any one." The aim of 'Fitra' according to Hadith is "to arrange for the food of the miskin." (Abu Daud)Rasulullah (Sm) described the 'Sadaqatul Fitr' as 'Kaffarah', of the faults/deficiencies of fasting. He said, "His fasting remains hanging between the earth and the sky, who does not pay Fitra."

This means his fasting is not accepted by Allah Rabbul Alameen.

Ibne Umama (Ra) said, "Rasulullah (Sm) directed us to pay Sadaqaful Fitr before going out to offer the Eid prayer." (Bukhari. Abu Daud. Muslim, Tirmizee, Nasayee).

The Fitra must be paid or at least set aside before one offers the Eid prayers. It should be given to such poor people, whose income or cash in hand is not enough to meet his family expenses. It is to be paid to a needy, who is helpless and indigent.

--Abdul Muqit Chowdhury