What is Zakat al-Fitr?
The term Zakat al-Fitr is comprised of two words - ‘Zakat’ means growth and purification and alFitr comes from the word إر فإ or breaking fast.
Zakat al-Fitr or Sadaqah al-Fitr is of the two obligatory charities enjoined upon Muslims. The other is Zakat al-Maal for those who meet the relevant conditions. Zakat al-Fitr was legislated with the fasting of Ramadan in 2AH just 2 days before Eid. Based on this, we understand that Zakat al-Fitr was actually legislated before Zakat al-Maal