As is the practice every year, the UAE Red Crescent Authority is distributing Zakat Al Fitr to thousands of poor and needy families across the country. 

What is Zakat Al Fitr?

Zakat Al Fitr is a compulsory charity every capable Muslim has to perform if s/he has spare resources after spending on things needed on Eid. According to custom, the Zakat Al Fitr is offered before the beginning of Eid prayers. It is believed that Zakat Al Fitr dates back to the second year of Hijrah – the Islamic calendar that in turn began in 622 CE when Prophet Muhammad had to leave Mecca for Medina in order to escape persecution.

The purpose of Zakat Al Fitr is to alleviate the misery of the needy. However, views differ when it comes to the kind of food to be offered as Zakat Al Fitr. Some believe that raisins, dates, barley, wheat and dry cottage cheese are to be distributed, while others feel any food grain or dates are fine as well. Still there are others who believe that any food staple to a particular region can be given away. Some even distribute money in lieu of food.