Ibn 'Abbas gave a Khutbah in Al-Basrah and said: "Pay the zakah of your fasting." The people started looking at one another. He said: "Whoever there is here from the people of Al-Madinah, get up and teach your brothers, for they do not know that the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) enjoined sadaqat al-fitr on the young and the old, the free and the slave, the male and the female; half a sa' of wheat or a sa' of dried dates or barley.'"
Narrated by It was narrated from Al-Hasan that :
Context
In this hadith, Ibn 'Abbas addresses the people of Al-Basrah during a khutbah, emphasizing the importance of paying the zakah of fasting, known as sadaqat al-fitr. He encourages those from Al-Madinah to teach others about this obligation, highlighting that it applies to everyone, regardless of age or status. The takeaway is the communal responsibility to educate and ensure that all Muslims fulfill their charitable duties.
Modern Application
Today, this principle of communal teaching and responsibility can be seen in community efforts to educate others about zakat and its significance. Many organizations hold workshops and distribute materials to ensure that everyone understands their obligations, fostering a culture of giving and support within the community.
Topics
This hadith is tagged with Charity and Zakat because it discusses the obligation of sadaqat al-fitr, which is a form of charity that is required from all Muslims.
[Fasting for] a limited number of days. So whoever among you is ill or on a journey [during them] - then an equal number of days [are to be made up]. And upon those who are able [to fast, but with hardship] - a ransom [as substitute] of feeding a poor person [each day]. And whoever volunteers excess - it is better for him. But to fast is best for you, if you only knew.
And he who does not find [a slave] - then a fast for two months consecutively before they touch one another; and he who is unable - then the feeding of sixty poor persons. That is for you to believe [completely] in Allah and His Messenger; and those are the limits [set by] Allah. And for the disbelievers is a painful punishment.
Zakah expenditures are only for the poor and for the needy and for those employed to collect [zakah] and for bringing hearts together [for Islam] and for freeing captives [or slaves] and for those in debt and for the cause of Allah and for the [stranded] traveler - an obligation [imposed] by Allah. And Allah is Knowing and Wise.
Allah will not impose blame upon you for what is meaningless in your oaths, but He will impose blame upon you for [breaking] what you intended of oaths. So its expiation is the feeding of ten needy people from the average of that which you feed your [own] families or clothing them or the freeing of a slave. But whoever cannot find [or afford it] - then a fast of three days [is required]. That is the expiation for oaths when you have sworn. But guard your oaths. Thus does Allah make clear to you His verses that you may be grateful.
This hadith is #1585 from Sunan an-Nasa'i, in the Book of The Book of the Prayer for the Two 'Eids. It is graded Sahih and narrated by It was narrated from Al-Hasan that :.
