As Ramadan fast closes
Today Saturday June 24, 2017 which is the 29th day of Ramadan fast is about the end or a day to the end of this year’s Ramadan. Gratitude is to Allah (SWT) who successfully brought us to theclosing pointof this holy month. While many of us may be rejoicing at the end of the Ramadan fast, it is actually a thing of sadness if we consider the huge spiritual benefits that would escape us as the blessed month ends. Allah (SWT), the Wise, knows why He made this unique month just once in a circle of twelve months.We should be missing the month even as it in its final hours.
Our discourse this week will focus mainly on the events that signify the end of Ramadan including Zakat ul-fitr.Anasbn Malik (RA) reports that the Prophet (SAW) said: “The Ramadan fast of believing servants of Allah (SWT) would hang between the heavens and the earth until he pays the Zakat ul-fitr. When he gives it out, Allah (SWT) would grant it two wings to fly to the seventh sky where it would remain until the owner comes for it”. This gives testimony to the significance of Zakat ul-fitrto Muslims. Zakat ul-fitr is a Sunnah that is compulsory on every Muslim, young and old, male and female, free-born as well as slave. The Zakat ul-fitr of every Muslim is to be given out bythe person responsible for his/her sustenance.
A man would give the Zakat ul-fitr of his wives, children, and every other person under his care. Abdullahibn Umar (RA) reports that the Prophet (SAW) fixed the Sa’a of dates or Sa’a of barley as the quantity to be given as Zakat ul-fitr at the end of Ramadan fast. In other words, it is to be given from the staple food item of one’s community. It could be rice, maize, millet, wheat, or similar grains or cereals. It could also be beans or ground-nut where such is the staple food. Malik relates that Abdullahibn Umar (RA) would always pay the Zakat ul-fitr in dates, except once, when he paid it in barley.
The quantity to be given out, as Zakat ul-fitr per head is fourSa’a(cubic) measures of the food item (grains or cereals) using the Sa’a of the Prophet (SAW). It is Sunnah of the Prophet (SAW) to pay Zakat ul-fitrbefore going for the Eid prayerson the day of Eidl-fitr. However, there’s no harm if it is paid a day or two before the day of Eidlfitr. It is reported that Abdullahibn Umar (RA) used to pay the Zakat ul-fitr two or three days before the day of fitr (final breaking of Ramadan fast). If a Muslim were unable to pay the Zakat ul-fitr before leaving his house for the Eid prayers due topenury, he/she would still pay it when available or affordable. Zakat ul-fitr has no waiver or substitute. It is obligatory on every Muslim.
Apart from paying the Zakat ul-fitr before going for the Eid prayers, every Muslim is enjoined to break his fast in the morning of the Eid day. The sighting of the crescent of Shawwal (tenth month of the Islamic lunar calendar) marks the end of Ramadan. Therefore, it is expected that everyone who fasted during Ramadan should break the fast by eating or drinking in the morning before leaving the house for the Eid prayer, or before leaving the mosque in respect of those who took part in I’tikaf (religious seclusion) for the Eid praying ground. Refusing to eat or drink after daybreak on the Eid day after Ramadan does not make one more pious than others. Rather, such is