Question:
What is the rate set for zakat fitrah in Malaysia?
Answer:
Alhamdulillah, praise and thanks to Allah for the countless blessings He has blessed us all with. Blessings and salutations to the Prophet Muhammad PBUH, his wives, his family, companions and all those that follow his teachings to the day of judgement.
The original amount for zakat fitrah is one so’ and the value is stated by Dr Wahbah al-Zuhaili in his book Fiqh al-Islami wa Adillatuh as 2751 grams and for madhhab Hanafi it is 3800 grams.
In the 57th National Muzakarah Committee dated 10th June 2003 the following decisions are made:
- The amount for zakat fitrah for states in Peninsular Malaysia is according to the local price of BERNAS Super Tempatan Grade A rice according to Baghdad’s measurement of one so’ which is equivalent to 2.60kg
- The amount for zakat fitrah for states in Sabah and Sarawak is according to the local price set by BERNAS, Vietnam White rice for states of Sarawak according to the measurement of Baghdad’s measurement of one so’ which is equivalent to 2.70kg
Usually, when Ramadhan approaches, the Shariah Committee or State Fatwa will decide on the value of the current price of rice according to the district or type and grade of rice eaten by its residents. Only then will a decision be made with the consideration if the value of one so’ of rice which is approximately 2.60kg.
Let us all be among the people who pay their zakat which also include zakat other than zakat fitrah but also property zakat when it fulfils the haul and nisab so that we will be able to attain the blessings of Allah SWT in our lives and are protected from His wrath.