Deadline for Paying Zakat Fitrah, Don't Miss It! Here are the Requirements According to Sharia

Photo: Dompet Dhuafa

JAKARTA - The deadline for paying zakat fitrah is something that needs to be considered so that the zakat we spend is still valid and in accordance with syariat. Zakat fitrah is an obligation for every Muslim who is able and must be paid before Eid al-Fitr. However, there are still many who are confused about when the best time to pay it is, can you pay zakat after the Id prayer?

Friends, don't let you be late paying zakat fitrah! If zakat fitrah is not paid according to the time recommended, its status can change to ordinary charity! How can it be? Let's find out more about the deadline for paying zakat fitrah based on the verses of the Qur'an, the sayings of the Prophet, and the views of the scholars.

Zakat Fitrah, Muslim Obligation at the End of Ramadan

Zakat fitrah is a zakat that must be issued by every Muslim before Eid al-Fitr as a form of purification after fasting. The amount of zakat fitrah is according to the hadith narrated by Imam Bukhari and Imam Muslim.

"The Prophet ordered zakat fitrah as one sha' of dates or one sha' of wheat for every Muslim, whether slave or free, male or female, small or large. And he ordered that this zakat be fulfilled before people go out to the Id prayer. " (HR. Bukhari No. 1503, Muslim No. 984).

This hadith confirms that zakat fitrah must be paid before Eid prayer so that it remains valid as zakat. If zakat is paid after the Id prayer, then the zakat is only considered as a regular donation, not as zakat fitrah.

In the Qur'an, Allah Swt also speaks about the obligation to pay zakat.

"And establish prayer, pay zakat, and bow with those who bow." (QS. Al-Baqarah: 43)

Zakat fitrah is part of a Muslim's main obligation. Paying zakat must be on time. Therefore, it is important for us to understand when the deadline for paying zakat fitrah so that it is not missed and still valid as a mandatory worship.

Deadline to Pay Zakat Fitrah According to Sharia

Ulama membagi waktu pembayaran zakat fitrah ke dalam beberapa kategori berdasarkan kapan zakat tersebut ditunaikan.

Mandatory Time

The deadline for paying zakat fitrah becomes mandatory when the sun sets at the end of Ramadan, namely at the night of takbir. If someone dies before Maghrib on the night of Eid al-Fitr, then he is not obliged to pay zakat fitrah. On the other hand, if a baby is born before Maghrib at the end of Ramadan, then the zakat fitrah is obligatory to be issued.

Sunah Time

The best time to pay zakat fitrah is from the beginning of Ramadan until before the implementation of Eid al-Fitr prayers. Payment at this time is more recommended because it makes it easier for the mustahik (zakat recipients) to prepare for the holiday needs. Imam Syafi'i in the book Al-Umm explains that paying zakat fitrah early is allowed, especially if there is an urgent need for it to reach the recipient in time.

Makruh time

If the zakat fitrah is paid after the Id prayer, but before the sun sets on the day of Eid, then it is makruh. This is because the Prophet SAW has emphasized that zakat fitrah must be paid before the Id prayer.

Haram Time

If zakat fitrah is paid after sunset on Eid al-Fitr, then it is haram. Zakat paid at this time is no longer considered zakat fitrah, but only a regular charity. Therefore, it is important to ensure that zakat fitrah is paid on time so that it remains valid as part of the Ramadan ritual.

Why is the deadline for paying zakat fitrah before Eid prayer?

Paying zakat fitrah before the Id prayer has several advantages. First, zakat fitrah serves as a cleanser after performing the fasting for a full month.

"Zakat fitrah is purification for the fasting person from useless words and deeds and as food for the poor." (HR. Abu Dawud No. 1609, Ibnu Majah No. 1827).

The hadith shows that zakat fitrah is not only a duty, but also a form of perfecting worship in the month of Ramadan. By paying it before the Id prayer, we can ensure that the money we spend actually reaches the people in need in a timely manner, so that they can feel the happiness on Eid al-Fitr.

Second, paying zakat fitrah early can help the poor to have enough food to welcome and celebrate Eid al-Fitr. This is in accordance with the main purpose of zakat fitrah, namely that no poor person feels difficulty on the day of victory.

"Take zakat from their wealth (for the purpose) of purifying and cleansing them, and pray for them because indeed your prayer is a comfort for them. Allah is the Hearer, the Knower." (QS. At-Taubah: 103)

What If You Are Late Paying Zakat Fitrah?

If a Muslim has exceeded the deadline for paying zakat fitrah, that is, after the Id prayer, then the zakat is no longer considered as zakat fitrah, but only as a regular charity. However, this does not mean that a person can deliberately delay the payment of zakat fitrah. Imam An-Nawawi in Al-Majmu' Syarh Al-Muhadzdzab mentions that delaying the payment of zakat fitrah without a clear excuse is an act that is not justified in Islam.

If someone really forgets or does not have the opportunity to pay zakat fitrah before the Id prayer, then he is still obliged to pay it as soon as possible after the prayer. However, it is better if the Friend has paid zakat fitrah since the beginning of Ramadan so as not to risk missing the time. The public can fulfill zakat fitrah practically through the Dompet Dhuafa digital service at https://digital.dompetdhuafa.org/zakat/fitrah so that the obligation can be fulfilled on time and immediately distributed to the beneficiaries.

So Benefits by Paying Zakat Through Dompet Dhuafa

Paying zakat fitrah on time is not only fulfilling an obligation, but can also be a benefit for those in need, so that they can celebrate Eid al-Fitr more happily. By understanding this provision, we can ensure that the zakat fitrah we do is accepted by Allah SWT and brings benefits to others. Friends can contribute to developing and empowering the dhuafa community, by channeling your zakat fitrah through Dompet Dhuafa which has been trusted for more than 30 years to manage zakat, infak, charity, and waqf funds. Come on, what are you waiting for, fulfill your zakat now!