Resolution No.(214) (4/2015), by The Board of Iftaa', Researches and Islamic Studies:
“The Amount of Zakat-ul-Fitr is (1800) Fils and the Compensation for each Missed Day of Fasting is one JD“
Date: 6/ Ramadan/1436 AH, corresponding to 23/6/2015 AD.
All perfect praise be to Allah, The Lord of The Worlds and may His blessings and peace be upon our Prophet Mohammad and upon all his family and companions.
The Board of Iftaa`, Research and Islamic Studies reviewed, during its session held on the above date, the amount of Zakat-ul-Fitr for this year/2015. After thorough researching and deliberating, it decided the following:
Zakat-ul-Fitr is an Islamic obligation and a reflection of social solidarity, that characterizes our tolerant Sharia; particularly, in the blessed month of Ramadan; the month of goodness and kindness. Therefore, it is obligatory upon every Muslim who owns extra provisions beyond his need as well as the need of everyone in his family on the day and night of Id-ul-Fitr. In other words, one father should pay for himself and for whom he supports, even for his baby who is born before the sunset of the last day of Ramadan as well as his poor parents whom he supports.
Ibn ’Umar (May Allah be pleased with them) narrated: "The Messenger of Allah (PBUH) enjoined the payment of one sa” of dates or one sa' of barley as Zakat-ul-fitr on every Muslim, slave or free, male or female, young or old, and he ordered that it be paid before the people went out to offer the 'Id prayer." { Agreed upon}. Abu Sa'id Al-Khudri (May Allah be pleased with him) narrated: “We used to offer it (Zakat-ul-fitr) during the lifetime of the Prophet as one sa’ of food or one sa' of dates, or one sa' of barley or one sa' of raisins’’ {Agreed upon}.
Therefore, the amount of Zakat-ul-Fitr is one sa` of food; the sa` equals (2.5 Kgs.), given by a Muslim from what the people of his country eat the most. In the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan, the common food is wheat; therefore, Zakat-ul-Fitr is (2.5 Kgs.) of wheat on every Muslim person. It is also permissible to give one sa`of rice since it is also from the common food of the Jordanians. Moreover, it is permissible to give the value of this amount in currency. The Board estimates the value of the sa` from the common food in Jordan as (1800) fils, and whoever wishes to pay more shall have a greater reward from Allah, The Almighty.
The preferred time for giving Zakat-ul-Fitr is between the sunset of the last day of Ramadan and the E`ed prayer. It is also permissible to give it from the beginning of Ramadan.
Nowadays, it is imperative that Muslims observe this ritual (Zakat-ul-Fitr) since it purifies the soul of the giver. Therefore, it must be given on behalf of the child, who isn`t obliged to fast, as well as the sick who is unable to fast. Ibn ’Abbas (May Allah be pleased with them) narrated: "The Messenger of Allah (PBUH) enjoined Zakat-ul-fitr on the one who fasts (i.e. fasted during the month of Ramadan) to purify him from any indecent act or speech and for the purpose of providing food for the needy.“ {Abu Dawood}. Giving it to the poor makes them self-sufficient on the day of E`ed; therefore , a Muslim must give it willingly and kindly.
Moreover, the Board of Iftaa` is of the view that one who is unable to fast in Ramadan due to an incurable disease or old age must offer one JD as a compensation for each day of fasting that he missed. And whoever gives more shall receive a greater reward from Allah. We pray that Allah, The Almighty Accepts our acts of worship and Forgives our sins. And Allah Knows Best.
The Board of Iftaa`
The Grand Mufti of Jordan / His Eminence Sheikh AbdulKareem al-Khasawneh / Chairman of the Iftaa` Board
Prof. Ahmad Hilayel / Vice-Chairman of the Iftaa` Board
Prof. Hail Abdul Hafeez / Member
Prof. Abdulnasser Abulbasal / Member
Dr. Yahia al-Botoosh / Member
Sheikh Sae`id Hijjawi / Member
Dr. Wasif al-Bakhri / Member
Prof. Mohammad al-Qhodat / Member
Dr. Mohammad Al-Khalayleh / Member
Dr. Mohammad Khair Al-Esa / Member
Dr. Mohammad al-Z`obi / Member
