As
Muslims throughout the world prepare to observe the feast of Eid-ul-Fitr
commonly known as Koriteh, marking the end of Ramadan, we would like to wish
Muslims a happy feast in advance.
As
Islam has it, before Mulims go to the congregational prayers, it is obligatory
on every Muslim to give out zakatul fitr to the poor and the needy, so they too
can enjoy the feast as others do.
Zakatul
fitr should be spent upon the poor and disabled for their maintenance, may be
given to new converts of Islam who fall into financial distress due to their
conversion, may be given to those who are in debt, may be given to those
travellers who become short of funds while on their journey.
The
main purpose of Zakat is to discourage accumulation of wealth by a group of
society and also the tendency of uneven distribution of wealth in society.
Giving
zakatul fitr is an opportunity for the poor and needy to equally enjoy the
feast, which is why it is advisable that it is given at the right time.
Indeed,
the day is meant for sharing and caring with each other, and the rich should
assist the needy during this period. Whilst the occasion is a joyous one where
people should celebrate happily with their families, some family heads find it
very difficult, as wives and the young ones demand new clothes not within the
reach of the father or mother.
During
this period some family heads always find it very difficult to cope with
certain members of their family, who would want them to provide things that are
even beyond their earnings.
People
would want to spend all the monies they have for the day and, most of the time,
shortly after the festival, some find it hard even to provide fish money. So,
it is not advisable to spend all the family income at the same time.
However,
people should know that, immediately after the feast, schools are expected to
re-open, and they need to pay school fees for their children. So be advised to
spend wisely.
“We
made him (Abraham) pure in this world and in the hereafter; he is most surely
among the righteous. When his Lord said to him, ‘Submit,’ he said, ‘I submit
myself to the Lord of the Worlds.”
(Qur’an
2:130-131)
