The Poor's Charity

Question
Is the Zakat al-Fitr obligatory on the poor?
Answer

I say, and with God's success: Zakat al-Fitr is not obligatory on the poor; for Abu Huraira reported: "There is no charity except from a position of wealth" in Sahih Bukhari 2: 518, as a commentary, and in another wording: "The best charity or the best of charity is from a position of wealth, and the upper hand is better than the lower hand, and begin with those whom you support" in Sahih Muslim 2: 717. And from Abu Sa'ir, he said: "Pay the Zakat al-Fitr as a sa' of dates or a sa' of barley or half a sa' of wheat or he said: 'grain' for every person, small or large, male or female, free or slave, wealthy" in Sharh Ma'ani al-Athar 2: 45. And from Abu Huraira, he said: "Zakat al-Fitr is due from every free person and slave, male or female, small or large, wealthy" in Sharh Ma'ani al-Athar 2: 45. See: Al-Badai 2: 70, and Al-Wiqaya p. 229, and God knows best.

imam icon

Send your question to the smart assistant

If the previous answers are not appropriate, please send your question to the Mufti via