What is the Rule of Paying Zakat Fitrah with Money

Completing zakat fitrah with money seems to be more often done by most Muslims. The reason is of course because it's easier and more practical. However, actually is it permissible to pay zakat fitrah with money? how is the law? Here's the explanation you need to know:

Zakat al-Fitr

You surely already know that paying zakat is an obligation for every capable Muslim. Zakat al-Fitr is part of the Five Pillars of Islam so that this worship must not be left to you who are Muslims. The time to carry out zakat is only once a year, namely during the month of Ramadan until before the Eid prayer.

Zakat Fitrah is like perfecting your fasting. Is a form of gratitude to God for all the advantages given. Because in fact so many needy and poor people live far from enough words, let alone overdo it. It is fitting for us to share with those who live in need, especially in the month of Ramadan, so that all Muslims can experience a holiday full of joy and happiness.

Zakat fitrah can also cleanse small sins that we might commit during the month of Ramadan. Hopefully, on a fitri day later, we will be able to return to a state of holiness and cleanliness. That is one of the meanings of zakat fitrah.

Paying zakat fitrah with money or rice, whichever is most important is to align your intentions.

Paying zakat fitrah with money or rice, whichever is most important is to align your intentions. (Photo: Shutterstock)

Paying Zakat Fitrah with Money or Rice?

How do you pay zakat fitrah? Can it be with money, can it be with rice or have dates and wheat, as did the Messenger of Allah? As in a hadith that reads: "Rasulullah SAW requires zakat fitrah of Ramadan as much as one sha 'date or wheat for every independent Muslim or male or female bondage" (HR. Bukhari Muslim).

In another hadith it is stated, "During the time of the Messenger of Allah, we issued zakat fitrah in the amount of one sha 'of food, and at that time our food was in the form of dates, wheat, wine, and cheese." (Narrated by Muslim, hadith number 985).

In both the above hadiths are clearly mentioned about the guidance of zakat fitrah which is carried out with dates, wheat, and other foods. Why date and wheat? Because it is the staple food of the Arabs at that time. So in Indonesia this obligation is paid in the form of rice, as our staple food. The amount is 3.5 liters or the equivalent of 2.5 kilograms of rice.

So, is it okay to pay with money? There is still debate of the opinions of the scholars to this day. The Maliki, Shafi'i, and Hanbali schools agreed that zakat fitrah should not be given to zakat recipients in the form of money. The basis is the hadith above. Zakat fitrah issued by the Prophet Muhammad remains in the form of food.

Meanwhile, according to the Hanafi school of thought, zakat fitrah may be paid in money. This opinion is based on the aspect of benefit which is a matter of principle in Islamic law. The money is considered more beneficial because it can be used by groups of recipients of zakat according to their more pressing needs at the time.

After you know enough about the basics of paying zakat fitrah with money, now you don't need to be confused anymore. Money or rice, just as good, because both are based on the opinions of the scholars who have high science. The main thing is the intention. Intend sincerity to carry out orders from God....