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.'"
The Book of the Prayer for the Two 'Eids - Sunan an-Nasa'i
This narration from Ibn 'Abbas (may Allah be pleased with him) demonstrates the importance of spreading religious knowledge, particularly regarding the obligation of Zakat al-Fitr (Sadaqat al-Fitr).
Scholarly Commentary
When Ibn 'Abbas noticed the people's confusion about "zakah of fasting," he immediately recognized their ignorance of this essential religious duty. His instruction for the people of Madinah to teach others highlights the responsibility of knowledgeable Muslims to educate those unaware of Islamic rulings.
The phrase "zakah of your fasting" refers to Zakat al-Fitr, which purifies the fasting person from any indecent acts or speech during Ramadan and provides food for the needy on Eid day.
The comprehensive nature of this obligation is emphasized by including all categories: young and old, free and slave, male and female. This demonstrates its universal application within the Muslim community.
The specified amounts - half a sa' of wheat or a full sa' of dates or barley - establish the precise measurements required, with wheat being valued higher than other grains, thus requiring only half the measure.
Legal Rulings
Zakat al-Fitr is obligatory (wajib) upon every Muslim who possesses food beyond their needs for Eid day and night.
It must be paid before the Eid prayer, ideally on Eid morning, though it may be given one or two days earlier to ensure proper distribution.
The head of household pays on behalf of all dependents, including children, servants, and any Muslims under their care.
The purpose is twofold: purification for the fasting person and provision for the poor to celebrate Eid with dignity.