Taliban Authority Sets This Year’s Zakat al-Fitr Between 62 and 64 Afghanis
The Taliban’s Department of Guidance, Hajj, and Endowments has announced that the amount of Zakat al-Fitr (Sadaqah al-Fitr) for this year has been set between 62 and 64 Afghanis based on the current wheat prices in the market. This amount corresponds to the value of two kilograms of wheat or its flour and must be paid to those in need before the Eid al-Fitr prayer.
According to religious scholars, Zakat al-Fitr is a religious obligation and Islamic duty that every financially capable individual must fulfill at the end of Ramadan. This charity should be paid by the head of the household on behalf of all family members, while independent individuals are required to pay it themselves.
Under Islamic jurisprudence, the time for paying Zakat al-Fitr is the morning of Eid day; however, it is also permissible and preferable to distribute it during the final days of Ramadan, before the Eid prayer, to those in need.
The Department of Hajj and Endowments also released details of prices for various commodities in a statement. According to the statement, 1900 grams of wheat is priced at 59 Afghanis and its flour at 61 Afghanis. Additionally, 3800 grams of barley costs 118 Afghanis, barley flour 122 Afghanis, dates 540 Afghanis, and raisins 920 Afghanis.
The department emphasized that these measurements have been calculated according to the Hanafi school of thought and that, out of caution, two kilograms of wheat or flour should be considered for each Zakat al-Fitr, valued respectively at 62 and 64 Afghanis. For other items, a standard of four kilograms has been established.
The statement also mentioned that in the provinces, if cash is given instead of goods, the price should be calculated according to the local rates of the respective area.
Religious scholars believe that, beyond fulfilling a religious obligation, Zakat al-Fitr strengthens social solidarity, fosters affection among social groups, and provides assistance to needy families during the Eid celebrations.
