Who Must Give Sadaqah Al-Fitr?

Who must give sadaqah al-fitr?

Muslims who have nisab amount of wealth (80.18 gr gold or the same value) apart from basic needs and one-year debt, and reach Eid al-Fitr must give sadaqah al-fitr for themselves and their dependants (Kasani, Bada’i, II, 70, 72).

However, to be obliged to give sadaqah al-fitr, it is not necessary for the wealth in nisab amount to be in increasing feature, and one lunar year does not need to pass upon ownership.

One is responsible for giving fitrah for himself and his children who have not reached puberty yet (Kasani, Bada’i, II, 70). Bur, a person does not need to give fitrah for his parents, adult children, spouse, siblings and other relatives (Kasani, Bada’i, II, 70, 72). Yet, if he pays for them without being appointed by them as their proxy, it is still valid.

According to the Shafi’i school, giving sadaqah al-fitr is “fardh” and one does not need to have nisab amount of wealth in order to be responsible for giving sadaqah al-fitr (Shirbini, Mughni al-Muhtaj I, 594). In this regard, every Muslim, rich or poor, who has foodstuff enough for the eid day and night apart from basic needs are obliged to pay fitrah (Shirbini, Mughni al-Muhtaj, I, 594). Besides, a rich person must give sadaqah al-fitr for his Muslim spouse, parents, children and other relatives as well (Shirbini, Mughni al-Muhtaj, I, 595; Ibn Rushd, Bidayah, I, 279-280).

Source: Presidency Of Religious Affairs The Turkey, High Board of Religious Affairs FATWA