Disposal of ZakÁt al-FiÔrah
2031.The renowned number of scholars have stated that zakÁtal-fiÔrah is to be disposed of in the same manner that one disposes of the zakÁton property. However, the obligatory precaution is that it should be given to the poor, and that they must be twelver Shi’a, unless a mu‘min cannot be located. In this case, it can also be given to others, as long as theyare not nÁÒibÐs (people who express hostility towards the ahl al-bayt).
2032.If the child of a twelver Shi’a is poor, in a manner that was described in article 1960 and article 1961, then the zakÁtal-fiÔrah may also be spent on him.
2033.It is not necessary for the poor recipient of zakÁtal-fiÔrah to be just. However, the obligatory precaution is that it should not be given to one who drinks, one who forsakes prayer, or one commits major sins publicly.
2034.The fiÔrah should not be given to someone who spends it in a sinful manner.
2035. The obligatory precaution is that the poor recipient should not be given a fiÔrah of less than one ÒÁÞ(approximately three kilograms). However, there is no problem in giving him more.
2036.If a person gives half a ÒÁÞ of a higher grade which costs double the price of its normal grade, such as a grade of wheat which costs double the price of its normal grade, it will not suffice. In fact, even if he gives it with the intention of paying the value of the fiÔrah, it will not suffice.
2037.A person cannot give half a ÒÁÞ of one commodity, such as wheat, and half a ÒÁÞ from another commodity, such as barley. In fact, even if he gives it with the intention of paying the value of the fiÔrah, it will not suffice.
2038. When giving zakÁtal-fiÔrah, it is recommended to give precedence to the poor amongst one’s relatives, and then to neighbors who are poor. It is also recommended to give precedence to one who is distinguished in religion, perception and intelligence.
2039.If a person gives zakÁtal-fiÔrah to a person thinking that he is poor, but later finds out that he was not poor, then if the item that he gave has not ceased to exist, he should claim it back and give it to one who deserves it. If he is unable to claim it back, he should replace the fiÔrah from his own wealth.
If however, the item has ceased to exist, then in the event that the recipient of the fiÔrah was aware that the item was given as fiÔrah, he (the recipient) will have to pay for its replacement. However, if he was not aware of it, then paying for its replacement will not be obligatory on him, and it is the giver who will have to pay for its replacement.
2040.If a person claims to be poor, and one is aware that the person was previously poor, he may give his fiÔrah to him. As for a person for whom it is not known if he was poor or not, but claims to be poor, obligatory precaution dictates that one cannot give him his fiÔrah if he does not attain satisfaction in his claim. In fact, if he knows that the person was not previously poor, he cannot give him the fiÔrah, unless he attains satisfaction in the person’s claim.
