Paying zakat fitrah is an obligation for every Muslim who is able and has enough food on the day of the holiday. In today’s digital era, zakat fitrah payments can be made in a variety of ways. Either directly by donating staple foods or cash, or online via bank transfer or digital wallet applications. The question is, which is more important? Should zakat fitrah be given in cash or can it be paid online? Let’s discuss it further based on the arguments, the opinions of the scholars, and the benefits of each payment method.
Arguments for the Obligation to Pay Zakat Fitrah
Paying zakat fitrah is an obligatory act of worship that must be performed before Eid al-Fitr. As a form of purification after 30 days of fasting. The amount of zakat fitrah that needs to be paid is in accordance with the hadith of the Prophet Muhammad, which was narrated by Imam Bukhari and Imam Muslim:
“The Prophet required zakat al-fitr to be one sha‘ of dates or one sha’ of wheat for every Muslim, whether slave or free, male or female, young or old. And he commanded that this zakat be paid before the people went out to the Eid prayer.”
(Narrated by Bukhari No. 1503, Muslim No. 984).
In this narration, it is clear that zakat fitrah must be paid before Eid prayer so that its value is accepted as zakat worship. If it is paid after Eid prayer, it is only considered ordinary alms.
“And establish prayer, pay zakat, and bow along with those who bow.”
(Surah Al-Baqarah: 23)
The verse above emphasizes that zakat is one of the main obligations in Islam, including zakat fitrah which must be paid on time.
Pay Zakat Fitrah in the Form of Staple Food
According to the hadith narrated by Imam Bukhari and Muslim, the Prophet Muhammad decreed that zakat fitrah must be given in the form of one sha’ of staple food. In today’s context, this is equivalent to 2.5 to 3 kg of rice, wheat, or food commonly consumed in a particular area.
The Shafi’i and Maliki schools of thought are of the opinion that zakat fitrah must be given in the form of staple foods in accordance with the guidance of the hadith of the Prophet Muhammad In Al-Majmu’ Syarh Al-Muhadzdzab, Imam Nawawi explains that giving zakat fitrah in the form of food is more in accordance with the sunnah. This is to ensure that the poor and needy have enough food on the holidays.
This approach has direct benefits for recipients, as they can use the zakat directly for their basic needs, without having to shop for groceries first. Therefore, most zakat institutions in Indonesia still distribute zakat fitrah in the form of staple foods to recipients.
Is it permissible to pay Zakat al-Fitr in the form of money?
Since the time of the Prophet Muhammad, Zakat al-Fitr has generally been paid in the form of staple foods such as dates, wheat, or rice. This is in accordance with the hadith narrated by Imam Bukhari and Muslim, which states that the Prophet Muhammad required the payment of Zakat al-Fitr in the amount of one sha’ of staple food per person.
However, in its development, scholars have differed on whether zakat fitrah may be paid in the form of money. The Shafi’i and Maliki schools of thought adhere to the argument that zakat fitrah must be in the form of food, while the Hanafi school of thought allows payment in the form of money if it is considered more beneficial to the recipient. Imam Abu Hanifah in Al-Hidayah explained that if giving money helps the recipient more in meeting his needs, then this is allowed.
In Indonesia, the Indonesian Ulema Council (MUI) and the National Amil Zakat Agency (BAZNAS) also allow the payment of zakat fitrah in the form of money, provided that the amount is equivalent to the price of staple food consumed daily. This is done to provide flexibility to zakat recipients, so that they can use the funds for more urgent needs.
With this convenience, many Muslims now choose to pay zakat fitrah in the form of money, especially through trusted zakat institutions. Moreover, in today’s digital era, paying zakat fitrah is increasingly easy with online zakat services that allow Muslims to fulfill their obligations anytime and anywhere.
The Ease of Paying Zakat Fitrah Online
Technological advances mean that zakat fitrah no longer has to be paid in person. Now, many zakat institutions provide zakat fitrah payment services online, via bank transfer, digital wallets, or official zakat institution applications. This method offers a variety of conveniences, especially for those who are short on time or have difficulty finding zakat recipients in person.
In addition, online zakat fitrah payments ensure that the zakat we spend is distributed more systematically. Zakat institutions usually have valid zakat recipient data and more effective distribution mechanisms, so that zakat can be given right on target and in accordance with sharia.
However, it is important to choose a trusted zakat institution. Make sure that the platform used has official permission from BAZNAS or the relevant religious authority and clear legality, so that the funds we spend actually reach those who are entitled to receive them. This way, we can pay zakat fitrah more easily without compromising its essence and benefits.
The Advantages of Paying Zakat Fitrah Online In
the digital age, many zakat institutions provide zakat fitrah payment services online. This is a solution for those who find it difficult to pay zakat directly. There are several advantages to this method:
- Easy and Practical: Payments can be made anytime and anywhere without leaving the house.
- Fast and Secure: The payment process is faster, especially if it is done through a trusted zakat institution such as Dompet Dhuafa.
- More Effective Distribution: Zakat institutions usually have a more organized distribution system so that zakat fitrah can be distributed to the right target.
The Advantages of Paying Zakat Fitrah Directly
Although paying zakat fitrah online has many advantages, paying zakat directly to the recipient also has its own advantages:
- More in line with the Sunnah: Giving zakat in the form of staple foods is closer to the practice taught by the Prophet Muhammad
- Can be given directly to the recipient – We can immediately see who receives the zakat and ensure they benefit from it.
- Strengthen the Sense of Caring: By giving zakat directly, we feel more social ties with those in need.
However, direct payment of zakat also has its challenges, such as time constraints and difficulties in finding recipients who are truly in need. Therefore, it is important to distribute it in the right way so that the zakat actually reaches the right people.
Which is More Important, Online or Direct Zakat Fitrah?
Both online and cash zakat fitrah payments have their advantages. If viewed from the point of view of conformity to the sunnah, it is more important to give zakat in the form of basic foodstuffs directly. However, when considering the ease and effectiveness of distribution, paying zakat online through a trusted institution can also be a good option.
Under certain conditions, if someone has difficulty distributing zakat fitrah directly, then paying zakat fitrah online through a trustworthy institution can be the right solution. The most important thing is to make sure that we pay our zakat fitrah before the Eid al-Fitr prayer, so that it remains valid and benefits those in need.
So the benefits of paying zakat
Paying zakat fitrah can be done in various ways, either directly in the form of staple foods or through online services. In sharia, paying zakat in the form of food is more in accordance with the sunnah, but paying in the form of money is also allowed if it is more beneficial to the recipient.
In the end, the most important thing is not only how we pay zakat fitrah, but how this zakat can benefit those in need and perfect our worship in the month of Ramadan. Hopefully, we can all pay zakat fitrah in the best way and receive blessings on Eid. Aamiin.
