11-02-2004, 01:41 AM
Quote:<b>How should it be given?</b>
Items other than food such as money, clothes, furniture, etc. cannot be given as Zakat al-fitr. because it is contrary to what the Prophet commanded and what Allah wants. The Prophet (S) said, "Whoever introduces anything in this matter (deen) of ours will have it rejected." [bukhaaree Vol 3 no. 861. Muslim no.4266, Abu Daawood no.4589]
Paying Zakaat ul-Fitr is an act of worship, and through the Quran and authentic Sunnah all acts of worship are described. Therefore, to add, subtract, or alter any act of worship is a bida'h. Thus, paying zakaah al-fitr by other than food is a bida'h and every bid'ah eventually leads to the fire [see Abu Daawood no. 4590].
Not giving money for fitr is as Sunnah at-Turkeeyah (An action, the abandonment of which is a Prophetic Sunnah). Money existed and was prevalent in the Prophet's time but he did not nor did the Companions or Taabi'oon (followers of the Companions) use any money for Fitr. For sure the Prophet (S) was, is, and always will be the best of worshippers and the Companions and Taabi'oon are the best of generations in understanding and practicing Islaam [see Soorah's 4:115 and 3:110, Bukhaaree Vol 3 and 5, Abu Daawood no.4586]. So if he and they did not use money for Sadaqah al-Fitr why should any one else???
SubhanaAllah ever since I can remember people always paid money to the mosque and the mosque sends it to poor countries or muslims who are in need. People would eventually end up buying food with the money anyway right? So why is that considered haram in this article? La hawla wala quwata iLa BiLah.
What if there aren't any poor or needy muslims here? Can you pay fitr to the poor mushrikeen?
Help me out, because if this is really a Bidaah then i'd like to stop my family before they give it in money.