Q 1: A poor man, who has to provide for a family consisting of his mother, father and children, has one Sa` (1 Sa`=3 kg. Approx.) of foodstuff on the day of `Eid-ul-Fitr (the Festival of Breaking the Fast). On whose behalf should he pay the Sa` as Zakat-ul-Fitr (obligatory charity paid before the Festival of Breaking the Fast)?

A: If the status of the poor man is in fact as mentioned by the questioner, he should pay the Sa` that is extra to the needs of foodstuff of himself and his family for the day and night of `Eid on behalf of himself. In this regard, the Prophet (peace be upon him) said: Start spending on yourself, then begin your spending with the members of your household. As for those for whom the questioner has to provide, if they own nothing (Part No. 9; Page No. 388) to pay as Zakatul-Fitr on behalf of themselves, Zakatul-Fitr will be forgone, as Allah (Exalted be He) said: Allâh burdens not a person beyond his scope. Moreover, the Prophet (peace be upon him) said: There is no Sadaqah (Charity) except that which is given beyond one's essential needs. He (peace be upon him) also said: When I command you to do anything, do of it as much as you possibly can. May Allah grant us success. May blessings and peace be upon our Prophet Muhammad, his family and Companions!