As we reported, tomorrow – March 20 – Ramadan Bayram (Fitr Bayram) will be celebrated in Azerbaijan.
According to the fatwa of the Council of Qadis of the Caucasus Muslims Office, this year it is recommended that every person who is able gives 10-15 manats of fitra zakat per person.
According to Sharia, fitra is charity for the soul, and it is obligatory for every Muslim who is able to give fitra zakat for each member of their family, giving it to the poor, to families in need. This aims to create a festive atmosphere for every family.
So, when should fitra zakat, which is one of the important acts of fasting, be given?
Modern.az reports that, according to the fatwa of the Caucasus Muslims Office, the time for fitra zakat is on the last day of Ramadan - after the evening prayer on Bayram eve.
It should be noted that today - March 19 - is the last day of fasting.
Religious figures say that if fitra zakat is given during the period between the evening prayer on Bayram eve and the Bayram prayer, it would be more meritorious.
According to Dr. Ceyhun Mammadov, PhD in Theology and Member of Parliament, according to our religion, every Muslim must give fitra zakat.
"As for the amount, depending on one's means, this amount can vary between 10-15 manats. This directly depends on the value of the foodstuff given as fitra zakat. If you calculate fitra zakat based on the price of wheat, the amount will be lower; if you calculate it based on dates or rice, it will be higher. Because there is a price difference between all three types of foodstuffs."
Regarding the question "Should fitra zakat be given in food, or can money equivalent to the value of food also be given?", the MP stated that some Islamic scholars emphasize the necessity of giving fitra zakat strictly in food. Taking into account the needs of the modern era, a number of Islamic scholars also state the possibility of giving money equivalent to the value of food.
"I believe that considering today's realities, fitra zakat can also be given in money. Since the person receiving fitra zakat knows what they need most, they can use that money to buy the food or other necessary items they desire.
As we mentioned above, it is obligatory for every person who is able to give fitra zakat. Fitra zakat must be given to the poor. As for the time for fitra zakat, fitra zakat must be given by the last day of Ramadan, at the latest by the Bayram prayer."
In Baku mosques, Bayram prayers will be performed tomorrow - March 20 - between 08:00-09:00 in the morning.
A.Qorxmaz
