Is the Zakat al-Fitr obligatory upon a person who voluntarily sponsors another person's sustenance during Ramadan?
Chapter on Zakat al-Fitr
Al-Mughni
Book of Zakat
Primary text
The majority of our scholars hold that Zakat al-Fitr is obligatory upon the person who voluntarily provides sustenance (munnah) for another during Ramadan. This is supported by the statement of the Prophet, peace be upon him: "Pay the Sadaqat al-Fitr for those whom you sustain." This individual is one whom he sustains, and since he is a person for whom he spends, his Fitr becomes obligatory, similar to his slave. Ahmad supported this in a narration by Abu Dawud regarding one who joins an orphan to himself and pays on her behalf. The basis is that one who provides sustenance bears the obligation of the Fitr.
Supporting text
Abu al-Khattab chose that the Fitr is not obligatory upon the provider because his sustenance is not legally required, and thus his Fitr is not required, just as if he did not sustain him. This is the view of most scholars and is deemed correct. The statements of Ahmad in this matter are understood to imply recommendation, not obligation, and the hadith is interpreted concerning those whose sustenance is legally required, not merely the actual provision of sustenance. This is evidenced by the obligation of Fitr for a runaway slave, even if not sustained by the owner, and the obligation of Fitr for a newly acquired slave, a new wife, or a newborn child upon whom sustenance becomes due immediately, even if sustenance has not yet been provided. Conversely, if a slave is sold, a wife divorced, or a child dies, the Fitr is not due, even if sustenance was provided during the month. Furthermore, the verb 'sustain' in the hadith implies the present or future, not the past, meaning sustenance provided in Ramadan has already passed, thus excluding it. If it were included, it would necessitate the obligation of Fitr for one sustained for only one night, which is not supported by the text confining it to the month or otherwise.