Zakat Fitrah Rate in Malaysia, How to Pay Zakat Fitrah Online 2024?

How to pay zakat fitrah online? Zakat Fitrah which is also kown as zakat al-fitr is a compulsory obligation (fardhu ain) demanded of all Muslims. The payment of Zakat Fitrah is meant to help the poor and needy people who may not have enough food to celebrate Eid al-Fitr. By giving this charity, Muslims are helping to ensure that everyone can enjoy the festive season and it is also a way to express gratitude to Allah. 

Malaysian Zakat: 7 Obligatory Things to Know About Zakat Fitrah During the Month of Ramadan Fasting

The month of Ramadan or the fasting month is a month full of blessings, mercy and forgiveness. Muslims look forward to this month with great excitement as this holy month provides a unique opportunity to increase their good deeds and earn more rewards from Allah through acts of worship such as prayer, charity, and paying zakat fitrah.

But what is zakat al-fitr? This article will delve into everything you need to know about zakat fitrah.

1. What Is Zakat Fitrah?

Zakat Fitrah is a personal obligation that is mandatory for every capable Muslim, male and female, as per the specified conditions. It is different from zakat harta, which is a requirement on one’s owned assets.

2. Who Is Obligated to Pay Zakat Fitrah?

The 60th meeting of the National Fatwa Council for Islamic Religious Affairs of Malaysia, which was held on 23 October 2003, ruled that it is obligatory to pay Zakat Fitrah if the necessary requirements for Zakat Fitrah are met.

• Individuals who have excess food or wealth beyond their needs on the night and morning of Eid;
• A child born before sunset on the last day of Ramadan and who lives beyond sunset;
• A person who converts to Islam before sunset on the last day of Ramadan and remains a Muslim;
• Someone who dies after sunset on the last day of Ramadan.

Paying zakat fitrah is required for anyone who has extra food or wealth during the days before Eid al-Fitr, and can afford to cover their essential expenses. This obligation applies to all muslims, regardless of their gender, age, social status, or race.

An unmarried daughter is still under the responsibility of her father. If she wants to pay zakat by herself, she must get her father’s permission beforehand.

However, in general, Islamic scholars have determined that the preferred group to pay zakat fitrah are those who are obligated to provide for others, such as husbands, fathers, or grandfathers who take care of and raise their grandchildren.

To put it simply, the preferred group to pay zakat fitrah are those who have the responsibility of providing for their family’s needs and expenses. This includes husbands, fathers, and grandfathers who take care of their grandchildren.

3. When Is the Time to Pay Zakat Fitrah?

The time to pay Zakat Fitrah is divided into five parts:

4. What Should You Do if You Forget to Pay Zakat Fitrah?

In case you forget to pay zakat, it is mandatory to make up for it (qadha zakat). For instance, if you remember that you haven’t paid it by the seventh day of Syawal, then pay it straight away. Avoid procrastinating and waiting until the following Ramadan to pay your zakat as it may result in sin and you should fear the risk of passing away while still in debt to Allah.

5. How to Pay Zakat Fitrah?

The method of paying zakat fitrah is by giving a basic food item that can provide a full meal. In Malaysia, the common food item is rice. Muslims are encouraged to pay zakat fitrah according to the price of the rice they consume, as it helps those in need. Any excess amount can be given to the poor and needy.

6. What Is the Zakat Fitrah Rate 2024 in Malaysia?

The amount of zakat fitrah that needs to be paid is one gantang of Baghdad, equivalent to 2.70 kilograms (2600 grams) of rice or its equivalent value. However, this rate may change from time to time depending on the price of rice consumed by most Muslims in a state. Here are the zakat fitrah rate for your reference:

Based on the Zakat Fitrah Rate Schedule, some states set more than one rate. Zakat payers must choose the zakat rate that corresponds to the type of rice that they consume daily.

In this regard, payers can choose the zakat rate according to their ability or based on the grade or price of the rice that is their daily food. You can refer to the following information for more details:

• RM6.50, RM7.00 and RM8.00 – Local Super Special Rice (10 percent and 5 percent broken);
• RM10.00, RM13.00 and RM14.00 – Imported Super Rice, Brown Rice, Glutinous Rice, Herba Ponni, Fragrant Rice, Calrose Rice, Poney Rice or equivalent;
• RM20.00, RM21.00, RM24.00 – Basmati Rice, Japanese Rice, Red Rice or equivalent.

7. Best Way to Pay Zakat 2024?

Zakat payment is included in the pillars of Islam and is also a Fardhu Ain (personal obligation) for every eligible Muslim. Zakat payment can be made manually through zakat collection counters or online through the Malaysian zakat platform.

Paying Zakat Fitrah Online, How to Pay Zakat Fitrah Online?

You might be wondering “can I pay zakat online, how to pay zakat fitrah online and where to pay zakat online?” Below are the zakat rate in Malaysia for the  payment of zakat fitrah 2024 or zakat online Malaysia can be made through:

The Law of Paying Zakat Fitrah Pay Online in Malaysia

Can you pay zakat online? According to the Zakat Melaka Center, give zakat online is valid according to Shariah as long as two things occur: the intention to pay zakat and the transfer of zakat funds. The legal term for the transaction in paying zakat is “Harus” (permissible).

8. Where to Pay Zakat?

You might be asking “where can I pay my zakat?”. Zakat fitrah must be paid according to the location where one is at the time when the zakat fasting becomes obligatory (starting from the night of Eid until before the Eid prayer). However, considering the current reality, you can control the payment time a little, either by a day or two, as done by the companions. 

If at that time you are still at work and have not returned to your hometown, it is better to pay the zakat at your workplace because it is more certain and accurate. Early payment can also help you fulfill your responsibility as best as possible. In addition, it can prevent any potential obstacles that may cause you to miss paying the zakat fitrah.

9. Who Will Receive Zakat Fitrah?

There are eight groups of Asnaf who are eligible to receive zakat funds, namely:

• Fakir (al-Fuqara) – Those who do not have sufficient income or resources to meet their basic needs. For example, they need RM10 per day but can only provide RM3;
• Poor (al-Masakin) – Those who have some income or resources but not enough to meet their basic needs. For example, they need RM10 but can only provide RM8;
• Riqab – Those who are in bondage or slavery and have no freedom;
• Muallaf – Those who have newly embraced Islam;
• Amil – Those who are appointed to collect and distribute zakat funds;
• Gharimin – Muslim debtors who do not have the means to settle their debts;
• Fisabilillah – Those who strive and work to uphold and elevate the religion of Allah;
• Ibnus Sabil – Travelers who have run out of supplies while on a journey or at the start of their journey from their country, or Muslims who do not have provisions while on the road.

The Holy Month of Ramadan, a Time for Soul Purification Through Zakat Fitrah Payment

Zakat, especially Zakat Fitrah, plays a crucial role in building the socio-economic and social fabric of the Muslim community. Therefore, it is important for you to understand how to pay zakat fitrah online. If you have not yet paid Zakat Fitrah, now is the best time zakat fitrah. It’s better to pay it early than to delay and risk forgetting to fulfill your responsibility to pay Zakat.

Additionally, if you want to renew your car insurance before going back to your hometown this Hari Raya, visit Qoala’s website for more information. Qoala is the best insurance comparison and renewal platform in Malaysia with a guarantee of an easy, fast, and worthwhile insurance buying process.