The main purpose of Zakah al-Fitr is to provide those who fasted with the means of making up for their errors during the month of fasting. Zakah al-Fitr also provides the poor with a means with which they can celebrate the festival of breaking the fast (`Eid al-Fitr) along with the rest of the Muslims. Ibn Abbas reported, "The Prophet (peace be upon him) made Zakah al-Fitr compulsory so that those who fasted may be purified of their idle deeds and shameful talk (committed during Ramadan) and so that the poor may be fed. Whoever gives it before Salah will have it accepted as Zakah, while he who gives it after the Salah has given Sadaqah." [Collected by Imam Abu Dawud - Eng. transl. vol. 2, p. 421, no. 1605]. Hence, the goal of Sadaqah al-Fitr is the spiritual development of the Believers. By making us give up some of our wealth, the believers are taught the higher moral characteristics of generosity, compassion (sympathy for the unfortunate), gratitude to ALLAH and the righteousness. But, since Islam does not neglect man's material need, part of the goal of Zakah al-Fitr is the economic well-being of the poorer members of society.
Zakah al-Fitr is only Wajib for a particular period of time. If one misses the time period without a good reason, he has sinned and can not make it up. This form of charity becomes obligatory from sunset on the last day of fasting and remains obligatory until the beginning of Salah al-'Eid' (i.e. shortly after sunrise on the following day). However, it can be paid prior to the above mentioned period, as many of the Sahabah [companions of the Prophet (peace be upon him)] used to pay Sadaqah al-Fitr a couple days before the Eid. To be continued in Shaa ALLAH tomorrow.
Laziness is very attractive to ignorance, so wherever there is laziness in the quest for knowledge, be certain to find ignorance married happily to Mr. laziness, making a perfect couple with darkness as their residence.
May ALLAH have mercy on our less privileged brothers and sisters and those under any oppression and help them and us all by HIS Rahmah Aameen.
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