Sadaqatul Fitr

Jointly Issued by Jamiatul Ulama Transvaal


The discharging of Sadaqatul Fitr has always been admirably observed by Muslims in this country and world over.

This little monetary observance has been stipulated by Shariah for those who have the means in order to bring some delight to those less fortunate. It is the infinite wisdom of Allah Ta’ala that while He has blessed certain people with tremendous wealth and prosperity, there are others who live on the other extreme with barely no food to nourish themselves nor their offspring.

Fuqaha (Jurists) stress that Sadaqatul Fitr should be discharged before the day of Eid. This will enable the recipients to make maximum use of the money afforded to them. However, many people have the tendency of delaying in discharging their Fitrah and subsequently end up dropping it in some organization’s box on the way to Eid Salaah. The dead-line for discharging Sadaqatul Fitr is before the Eid Salaah. It is therefore appropriate to say that discharging Sadaqatul Fitr at the last hour will not fulfill its due objective.

The spirit of charity is to pursue those in need and personally hand it to them. With due respect to all Islamic Organisations it is difficult to believe that the fitrah collected on Eid day is discharged timeously. Furthermore, the donor’s Fitrah will only be discharged when the organisation distributes the money. It is hence advisable and important that this duty is discharged in a manner desired by Shariah. Rasulullah (sallallahu alayhi wa sallam) said,

"The fast remains suspended between the heavens and the earth until Fitrah is discharged." (Targhib)