8 Basic Mistakes Muslims make when Paying 'Zakat Al-Fitr'.
Ibn `Umar (R.A) reported that... Prophet (Sal Allahu`Alayhi wa Sallam), made Zakat al-Fitr compulsory on every slave, freeman, male, female, young and old among the Muslims, one Saa`(a measurement) of dried dates or one Saa`of barley. [ Source: Sahih Bukhari - Arabic/English, vol. 2, p. 339, H # 579] Mistake # 1~ Paying at Eid Salah. Some people go to Eid Prayers and drop some money into the donation box thinking that they have paid their Zakat al -Fitr. No ! Zakat al-Fitr, which is food, must be in the hands of the needy family BEFORE the Eid Prayer ! If someone goes to Eid Prayer and pays then it is GUARANTEED that the money will NOT arrive on time ! Mistake # 2 snail mailing the money overseas [basic principle as before] The Zakat al-Fitr, food, MUST be in the hands of the needy BEFORE Eid prayer. one cannot mail the money overseas and have it arrive in the hands of the needy after Eid Prayer is over!
However, if one is able to get the Zakat al-Fitr to the needy overseas BEFORE Eid prayer is conducted in their locality, then In Shaa Allah it’s alright.
Mistake # 3~ Not Paying. Yes, as simple as this error is, it is to skip the payment of Zakat Al-Fitr. EVERYONE must pay Zakat Al-Fitr, for each & every member of the household. so if you have 8 people in your house, 'Zakat Al-Fitr' must be paid X 8, even if the youngest member is just a few days old !
Mistake # 4~ Confusing Zakat ul-Fitr with Zakat ul-Maal.
We are talking about Zakat al-Fitr here (think “Iftar”- meaning to say 'Ramadan'.). 'Zakat Al-Maal' ('Maal' literally means wealth), is the Zakat due on ones money, etc. and that could be due any time during the year depending on when it was due.
Mistake # 5~ Giving money instead of food . Although some scholars have allowed giving money instead of food, the spirit of Zakat Al-Fitr is to give food to the needy of the community, NOT money. (one can give money to the local 'Masjid' in charge and they can give food with that money on time as specified .
The Companion of the Prophet [PEACE BE UPON HIM] Abu Sa`eed al-Khudree, {Radi Allahu `Anhu} said...
'In the Prophet's time, we used to give it (Zakat-al-Fitr) as a Saa`of food, dried dates, barley, raisins or dried cheese". [Source: Bukhari - Arabic/English vol. 2, p. 340,~H # 582]
Mistake # 6~ Giving one’s Zakat al-Fitr to a charitable building project. Some people mistakenly give their Zakat Al-Fitr to a charitable building project: like the building of a Masjid, or Islamic school. There is a difference of opinion on this issue, but suffice it to say that the spirit of Zakat Al-Fitr is that the needy should have plentiful food on Eid. {'In Shaa Allah'} All eight (8) types of recipients of Zakah mentioned in the 'Quran' are HUMANS, not “building projects”.
Mistake # 7~ Giving Zakat ul-Fitr to non-Muslims.
Charity is given to both Non-Muslims and Muslims. However, Zakat al-Fitr charity is something exclusive that's given the MUSLIM poor and needy. Hence, one could not give Zakat Al-Fitr to any needy person on the street. “Regular” charity can be given to them, but not Zakat Al-Fitr.
Mistake # 8 ~Delaying distribution.
Sometimes Masjids might collect Zakat Al-Fitr money and then put it in a bank! It doesn’t reach the needy for months and months ! The correct method is to give Zakat Al-Fitr immediately when it is due.
~ My 'Salaams' to all ~ ******************************************* Y a s m i n.
"All that is on earth will Perish. But will abide {Forever} the Face of thy Lord, full of Majesty, Bounty and Honor" {'Qur`an'- Surah Al-Rahman-55.26-27 } | 
