Hazrat Ibn Abbas (may Allah be pleased with him) narrates that the Holy Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) was the most generous among people. During Ramadan, his generosity would increase even more, surpassing the speed of strong winds in giving and charity. [Sahih al-Bukhari, Hadith No. 5]
Zakat
Zakat is one of the fundamental pillars of Islam and must be paid according to its prescribed conditions. Regarding this, the Promised Messiah (peace be upon him) states:
“So, perform your five daily prayers with such fear and devotion as if you are seeing God, and complete your fasting with sincerity for the sake of Allah. Whoever is eligible to pay Zakat must do so.” [Kashti-e-Nuh, Ruhani Khaza’in, vol. 19, p. 15]
On May 28, 2004, in his Friday Sermon, Hazrat Khalifatul-Masih V (may Allah be his Helper) emphasized the importance of Zakat, stating:
“An important financial contribution that I want to draw attention to is Zakat. Zakat has a prescribed threshold and a fixed rate. Generally, people do not pay enough attention to it.” [Khutbat-e-Masroor, vol. 2, p. 365]
In the Friday Sermon of March 31, 2006, Huzoor-e-Anwar (may Allah be his Helper) further stated:
“This is a fundamental commandment. Those upon whom Zakat is obligatory must pay it. … Some people leave their money in banks for years, and even if it remains deposited for a year, Zakat must be paid on it. Similarly, women’s jewelry is also subject to Zakat… This is a fundamental commandment, and it must be given due attention.” [Khutbat-e-Masroor, vol. 4, p. 175]
Zakat is not a substitute for other financial contributions. It can only be distributed centrally, and no individual is allowed to allocate Zakat according to their personal preference. However, names of deserving individuals can be submitted to the Jama’at.
Zakat Threshold
- Silver: 52.5 tolas (612 grams)
- Gold or Gold Jewelry: 7.5 tolas (87.5 grams)
If a person possesses 52.5 tolas of silver or 7.5 tolas of gold for more than a year, Zakat becomes obligatory at the rate of 2.5%. [1 tola is about 11.7 grams.]
Similarly, if a person has $10,000 CAD or more (equivalent to the value of 7.5 tolas of gold) saved for over a year, Zakat must be paid at the rate of 2.5%.
Members, especially sisters, are urged to pay their Zakat according to the prescribed threshold during Ramadan.
Fidya (Compensation for Missed Fasts)
The general guidance is that a person should observe fasts and, if able, also give Fidya. Fasting remains obligatory, while giving Fidya is a Sunnah. It serves as a thanksgiving to Allah for granting the ability to fast, as offering Fidya while fasting earns greater rewards.
For those who, due to valid reasons, are unable to fast during Ramadan, the Holy Qur’an prescribes Fidya as a form of expiation for missing out on this righteous deed. Members of the Jama’at may increase this amount based on their financial capability.
Fidya rate in Canada: $6 CAD per fast
Fitrana (Charity of Eid-ul-Fitr)
Fitrana, also known as Sadaqat-ul-Fitr, becomes obligatory at the beginning of Ramadan and must be paid before Eid-ul-Fitr. It is mandatory for every household member, including a newborn born even a day before Eid.
Fitrana rate in Canada: $5 CAD per person
Eid Fund
The Eid Fund was established during the time of the Promised Messiah (peace be upon him). On joyous occasions, it is essential to remember the needs of faith. Every earning member of a household must contribute to this fund.
Eid Fund rate in Canada: minimum $10 CAD per earning person
It should be noted that Fidya, Fitrana, and the Eid Fund must be paid before the Eid prayer so that these funds can be used to provide essential food supplies, Eid expenses, and clothing for deserving individuals. It is preferable to pay these contributions as soon as Ramadan begins to ensure that they reach those in need in a timely manner.
Financial System in the Ahmadiyya Jama’at
By the grace of Allah, an extraordinary financial system has been established within the Ahmadiyya Muslim Jama’at. Due to these financial sacrifices, Allah continues to bless the wealth and resources of the Jama’at in an extraordinary manner. Alhamdulillah!
Payment of Obligatory Contributions
Regarding obligatory contributions, Hazrat Khalifatul Masih V (may Allah be his helper) stated in his Friday Sermon on May 28, 2004:
“Remember that whatever you spend, whatever budget you submit, and whatever your income is—all of this is known to Allah. Therefore, always maintain honesty in your dealings with Him. To receive the reward of righteousness from Allah, ensure that your financial pledges are accurately assessed and that your payments are made correctly, so that your spiritual state improves and you can progress in virtue.” [Khutbat-e-Masroor, vol. 2, p. 357]
Obligatory contributions include Chanda Aam, Wasiyyat, and Chanda Jalsa Salana. The blessed initiative of these contributions was launched by the Promised Messiah (peace be upon him) himself.
Chanda Jalsa Salana
Some members do not pay Chanda Jalsa Salana regularly every month. It is important to remember that for those who contribute to Chanda Aam, their annual contribution towards Chanda Jalsa Salana should be 1/120 of their yearly income or 1/10th of a month’s income.
May Allah enable us to engage in charity, almsgiving, and other financial sacrifices during this blessed month and bless our wealth and souls. Ameen!
