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To mark
the end of the fasting period and to celebrate the completion of this period,
Allah has made the giving of charity (Sadaqa Fitr) compulsory on His servants,
as a thanksgiving. This charity is compulsory on every Muslim possessing the
minimum taxable income. The same amount of minimum taxable income is taken into
account as it is for the case of zakāt. The difference between the two is that
for zakāt it is necessary to
have possessed, for at least a year, gold, silver and other goods that can be
traded, whereas to pay Sadaqa Fitr it is enough that one possesses any excess
goods apart from those that are necessary. Nor is it necessary to have
possessed the goods for at least a year. It is best to perform Sadaqa Fitr
before offering the Eid Prayer. Sadaqa Fitr is carried out by donating three
and a half pounds (3.5 lb) of grain or its equivalent price. Because the rate
of grain constantly fluctuates, it is necessary for one to find out the current
rate of grain in the market. The ones who are entitled to Sadaqa Fitr are those
who are entitled to zakāt.
KHWAJA SHAMSUDDIN AZEEMI
Mehrāj means to enter the world of the unseen. When a believer attains Mehrāj through prayer, Angels appear in front of him. He travels through the Heavens, and through the blessings of the Holy Prophet (pbuh) he comes to know his Lord.