By Ishola Balogun

Some Muslims confused their annual Zakah with Zakatul-Fitr while some who understand the difference still observe the two in the month of Ramadan merely to attract more reward in the month of Ramadan.  The latter though is acceptable but must not take the place of Zakaatul-Fitr. Zakat is the fouth pillar of Islam, the calculation of your 2.5% dues on your assets annually which is committed to charity.

However, we should remember that Zakat becomes due, one year after a person’s wealth reaches the value of Nisab (minimum amount paid) and according to most scholars, a Muslim’s wealth has to remain above that Nisab level throughout the course of the year. This means he must be free from all indebtedness and liabilities. Again, it is done annually at a predetermined period.

If one chooses to pay it in every Muharram or every Zhul-Qada, so be it.  So, it is impossible for the whole Ummah to have reached the obligation of paying Zakah, at the beginning or end of Ramadan.  We should be clear in our minds that this type of Zakah is not tied to the month of Ramadan. It can be anytime of the year. But paying it in Ramadan is more rewarding.

An individual can bring forward his Zakah due date, in order to take advantage of the multi-fold blessings of Ramadan. In fact, to make it easy on the recipients whose needs have to be met, one might choose Ramadan for the extra Sadaqah he gives out. That does not mean he cannot give Zakatul- Fitr.  The scope of Zakatul-Fitr on the other hand is charity we give for the purpose of celebrating the eid-ul-Fitr to the have nots.

Zakatul-Fitr. It is obligatory at this time we are bidding farewell to Ramadan. That is why the suffix fitr is attached to it— to commemorate the occasion of breaking the fast.

For the umpteenth time, a man has to pay on behalf of himself and his wife— even if she is wealthy on her own— and his children and parents, if they are poor, and his daughter, if she is married but the marriage has not yet been consummated.

If his son is rich, he does not have to give Zakatul-Fitr on his behalf. A man has to give Zakatul-Fitr on behalf of a divorced wife, whose divorce process (Talaaq) is not yet concluded (i.e., she is still in the ‘iddah of a first or second talaaq). But not in the case of one whose divorce is finalised Zakatul-Fitr however is done with staple food consumable in a particular area.

In this part of the world, grains such as rice, garri, beans etc are given as charity or its money equivalent. Every free Muslim must pay Zakatul-Fitr for himself, his wife, children, and dependants. It is only obligatory on those who have more than what is required to give as zakat-ul-Fitr.   For example, if you have more than one bowl of staple food in your house, then it is obligatory upon you to give another Muslim who does not have.

It should be given on one of the foodstuffs which is commonly consumed in the society. The popular measurement of it is four handful on behalf of one person. If it has to be given in money, although this is not encouraged but the societal demands and circumstances sometimes call for it, it has to be well-calculated that the appropriate money equivalent is given in accordance with the existing price of the desired foodstuff in the market; and at the right time too, to meet the immediate need and purpose to which it was given.

A Muslim traveller is also enjoined to pay his zakat where he spends the last two days of Ramadan.  If a person dies before Maghrib on the last day of Ramadan, Zakatul-Fitr would not be obligatory upon him even if he had fasted all the  days of the month, but if a child is born after Maghrib on the last day of Ramadan, it would be obligatory to pay Zakatul-Fitr on his or her behalf.  A man must pay on a wife whose divorce is not yet concluded.

In essence, the rationale behind it is to make others happy during the festive period; it purifies the fasting Muslim from any shortcoming during the fast. And since every Muslim needs this, it is therefore obligatory on him whether rich or poor.  The Prophet (SAW) said: “Make them (i.e. the poor and destitute) rich on the day of `Eid-ul-Fitri. Put succinctly, for anyone who has more than a bowl of staple food or excess of what he can take for a day at home is qualified to give fitrah to the poor and needy to make a happy celebration for all.

“The Zakah are only for the Fuqaraa (poor), and the Masaakeen (the needy) and those employed to collect (the funds); and for to attract the hearts of those who have been inclined (towards Islam); and to free the captives; and for those in debt; and for Allah’s Cause, and for the wayfarer (a traveler who is cut off from everything); a duty imposed by Allah. And Allah is All-Knower, All-Wise.” Q9:60.

You may also start from the time of fajr on the day of the ‘Eid but before the prayer.

Prayer of the day

Allahuma ar-zuquni fihi fadhala lailatul Qadri, wa swayirr umuri fihi minal usuri ilaal-yussuri. Allahumo inaka afuuwun, tuibul-afwa faa afuwa nii.

O Allah, on this day, bestow on me the blessings of Laylatul Qadr, change my affairs from being difficult to being easy. O Allah! You are forgiving, and you love forgiveness. So forgive me.

Hajj: Katsina announces 2013 fares

The Katsina State Muslim Pilgrims Welfare Board on Monday announced the final Hajj fares for the 2013 Hajj.

The board’s Executive Director, Alhaji Aminu Danbaba, told newsmen in Katsina that the release followed the approval of the rates by the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON).

Danbaba said that N639,496.52 with 750 dollars Basic Transport Allowance (BTA) was the minimum fare, while the medium fare was N675,996.52 with 1,000 dollars BTA and N753,996.52 with 1,500 dollars BTA as the maximum. He urged intending pilgrims to hasten payment of their balances in good time to avoid embarrassment.

Danbaba said  “the payments must be made in bank drafts payable to the board”.

He emphasised that transactions must be done only with Hajj Zonal Officers in the state.

The director added that the state government had released N234,416 million as accommodation subsidy for pilgrims in Makka.

He explained that 1,104 seats or 20 per cent slots were reduced from the state’s allocation by NAHCON but explained that the reduction affected only old timers.

According to him, 4,416 pilgrims will perform the Hajj as against the initial allocation of 5,520 seats.

Meanwhile, we gathered that the Federal Government had approved Kabo Air, Med-view, Max Air, Meridian Airlines and Skypower Express Airways for the transportation of pilgrims from each airline’s operating base.

NAS Air charter, a Saudi Arabia-based Airline, and Trade craft Nigeria Ltd have been approved as carriers for the international pilgrims through tour operators.

The Med-view Travel Konsult Ltd, Cargo Zeal Technologies Ltd and Slim Aviation Services Ltd were approved as pilgrims’ excess luggage carriers, the statement said.

It requested that states and other pilgrims’ agencies speed up the process of collecting the balance of the Hajj fares from intending pilgrims and remit same to NAHCON to facilitate early conclusion of necessary arrangements.

About 76,000 pilgrims will perform the 2013 Hajj operations in the Holy land.

Preparing for Eid-l-Fitr

The first day of Shawwal is fast approaching and by implication, the eid-ul-Fitr celebration is at hand.  What is obvious is that by next Friday, we shall be in Shawwal whether first or second of it.  So, it is about time we exchange gifts, get new dresses as some people are wont to, show love to friends and neighbours and thank Allah for witnessing another eid.  What can be more gratifying than being in good health, seeing the begining of the month and now witnessing it to the end.  Alhamdullilah.

But remember, we have to look out for the month and watch out for announcement from the right source on the night of 29th day of Ramadan.

Ramadan, the month of fasting, symbolizes a lot spiritual renewal.  It is not merely abstinence from food and drink but also to abstain from all kinds of evil and unlawful practices in Islam.  How much have you changed?  How have you imbibe the spirit of holiness and how would you want to continue with it.

Some people are out there shopping for the celebration. Delicious food and drinks are  indispensable part of the festivity. There is no harm in preparing sumptious meals and cuisines to celebrate the festival. It is time we wear nice clothes, eat whatever we desire from the halal,  go to the praying ground, perform the two rakah nafil, exchange good wishes and give alms to the poor.

The celebration of Eid-ul-Fitr not only has religious essence but also carries a social connotation.

In some foreign countries, people decorate their houses and the atmosphere is charged with funfare.

The celebration of Eid-ul-Fitr is no-doubt perks up the spirit inherent in all the festivity. The significance of this festival is also interpreted as a good time to bring people together in harmony and gratitude.

Islamic clerics back Oshiomhole on death penalty
Islamic clerics in Edo State have thrown their weight behind the recent execution of condemned criminals in Edo State saying it is in accordance with the laws of God.

Led by the Chief Imam of Benin and Chairman League of Imams in Edo State, Mallam Abdul Fattah Enabulele, the clerics also hailed the Governor for frowning at same sex marriage proposal of some European countries.

Speaking during a courtesy visit to the governor yesterday, the Chief Imam who led other Imams in the state to the Government House in Benin City commended the governor for abiding by the dictates of the constitution of the nation and his readiness to uphold and support the African value system.

“Recently when the Comrade Governor signed the warrant for four convicted criminals in the state, there was criticisms from some quarters. We the League of Imams took a look at the gravity of the crime which they committed that warranted such. After carefully studying the briefing of the Honourable Commiisioner for Justice and Atthoney-General of Edo State on the issue, we were all satisfied Edo state government has done the right thing at the right time.

“Even the Almighty God will not be happy if the governor had not signed the death warrant. Apart from the constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, the Holy Books, (the  Bible and Glorious Quran) support that those who kill by the sword shall  die by the sword. Those criticizing your action should study the constitution properly  and seriously evaluate the seriousness of the crime committed by these fellows. It was a grievous crime committed against innocent souls, nobody has the right to take another person’s soul,” he noted.

The Imams who also frowned at the protracted crisis in Rivers state said, “when the good people refused to do nothing, evil people will continue to prosper in such environment. The  latest drama in Rivers state is not an issue one should shy away from. It was not only a slap and shame on democracy it was a civilian coup d’etat.

The Imams took a swipe at the Presidency for recognizing the Jonah Jang faction of the Governor’s Forum which had 16 votes as against the 19 votes cast for Governor Rotimi Amaechi and also for recognizing a factional Speaker of the Rivers State House of Assembly who emerged Speaker with the support of only five Assembly men.

In his remarks, Governor Oshiomhole  commended the League of Imams in Edo State for the courage to speak the truth to those in the corridors of power without fear.

The Governor said it is lamentable that “men who occupy high political positions like the office of the governor, some go to church to receive communion and those who go to mosque and shout Allah on Fridays, because of reasons of the political exigencies of the moment in fear of man rather the fear of God chose to turn the truth upside down.

“If governors can be oppressed, you Imams can not only be oppressed, but suppressed. If you uphold the truth, you spoke that truth to power.  When people use power to oppress, suppress, they are playing God and they shall come to judgment before God.

Lesser Hajj Kwara airlifts 508 pilgrims to S/Arabia

A total of 508 intending pilgrims have been airlifted by the Kwara Muslim Pilgrims Welfare Board to Saudi Arabia for the 2013 lesser  Hajj.

The Board’s  Chairman, Alhaji Usman  Olosun,  told newsmen Sunday in Ilorin that  the pilgrims took off from the IIorin International Airport at about 8.30 p.m.  on Saturday.

According to him, the 508 pilgrims constitute  the only batch from Kwara comprising sponsored pilgrims by the state government as well as  local  councils in the state.

“There will not be any other batch from Kwara for this year’s  lesser Hajj;  all pilgrims from the state including officials have been airlifted,” Olosun said.

On why the number of pilgrims was less than previous years; the chairman attributed  the development  to non  issuance of enough visas by the Saudi authorities..

He also said reports from Saudi Arabia indicated  that all the 508 pilgrims had arrived  Medina safely.

ASk YOUR IMAM
On chronic illness during Ramadan

Question:

You are rather silent on people with chronic illness like diabetes, on and off gastric and duodenal ulcers among others. Please I need to learn more about this?

Answer:

People with chronic illness like those you mentioned can also leave out fasting depending on the state of their health and the advice from their doctors.  The Quran has given concension to the sick especially those with chronic illness you have mentioned to leave out fasting but to pay later.  Again, if the illness persist throughout the year, feeding of the poor becomes wajib, (necessary).

However, if their doctors say fasting from dawn to dusk will not affect their condition of health when their drugs and medication can be administered before dawn and dusk after iftar, then they can fast.  But if the condition is serious that they cannot, then they can leave out fasting.

The condition of fidya (feeding the poor) in this regard is that they can feed the poor if they have been certified that they cannot fast. They can feed the poor so as to be free of any indebtedness of Ramadan fast in the case of death as a result of their chronic sickness.  But if they become alright before the next Ramadan, even after they have fed the poor in place of their missed Ramadan, they can still observe the fast later and get their reward in double folds.

May Allah make it easy for us and remove all sorts of impediments to fully observe Ramadan. Ramadan Mubarak.

God but also and essentially by your attitude. Thanks. May Allah guide us aright since He knows best.