Question
Assalamualaikum, is it permissible for us to pay zakat fitrah online? Where does the offer and acceptance occur for online zakat payment?
Answer
The payment of zakat does not require an offer and acceptance (إيجاب قبول) contract. The conditions for a valid zakat payment are having the intention, ownership of the wealth, and the act of giving and receiving the zakat.
Explanation
Zakat fitrah is a mandatory charity that must be paid during the month of Ramadan. This ruling is based on the narration of the Prophet Muhammad SAW:
أَنَّ رَسُولَ اللهِ صَلَّى اللهُ عَلَيْهِ وَسَلَّمَ فَرَضَ زَكَاةَ الْفِطْرِ مِنْ رَمَضَانَ عَلَى النَّاسِ، صَاعًا مِنْ تَمْرٍ، أَوْ صَاعًا مِنْ شَعِيرٍ، عَلَى كُلِّ حُرٍّ أَوْ عَبْدٍ، ذَكَرٍ أَوْ أُنْثَى، مِنَ الْمُسْلِمِينَ
Meaning: “The Messenger of Allah SAW prescribed zakat fitrah of Ramadan one sa’ (a unit of weight) of dates or one sa’ of barley, for every individual among the Muslims (whether) free man or slave, male or female. (Narrated by Muslim)
Today, technology is crucial in making daily transactions more efficient and convenient, including paying bills, settling debts, and giving zakat through online platforms. This method simplifies the process, allowing Muslims to conveniently make payments from their computers or smartphones without visiting zakat collection centres.
Fundamentally, the payment of zakat does not require an offer and acceptance. The conditions for a valid zakat payment are having the intention, ownership of the wealth, and the act of giving and receiving the zakat.
Furthermore, the 116th Meeting of the Federal Territory Syariah Legal Consultative Committee, which convened on 1 April 2019, ruled that it is permissible (جواز) to pay zakat online.
Conclusion
The payment of zakat fitrah online is valid because the contract in such a transaction resembles a written contract, which scholars have agreed upon its validity.