What is the priority order for Zakat al-Fitr payment based on the narration concerning the spending of a single Dinar?

Chapter on Zakat al-Fitr

Al-Mughni

Book of Zakat

Book 8 · Issue 5 · Bab 8

Open in Qurani

Primary text

The Fitr for the son may take precedence over that of the wife based on the narration where the Prophet, peace be upon him, instructed a man with surplus Dinars to spend them in order: on himself, then his children, then his wife, then his slave. The child was prioritized over the wife in that instance of general charity, suggesting the same for the charity on their behalf. The son is prioritized because he is considered part of the self. Furthermore, if the son is neglected, he will lack maintenance and be ruined, whereas if the wife is neglected, a separation might occur, and she has others who can support her (husband or relative).

Supporting text

The maintenance obligation for the wife is based on exchange (Mu'awada), making it a weaker ground for establishing the Fitr obligation compared to the obligation based on kinship (Silah), which necessitates both maintenance and purification through Fitr payment.