[1] Sadaqat al-Fitr is a duty which is considered wajib (required) of every Muslim, whether male or female, minor or adult as long as they have the means to do so.
Abu Sa'eed al-Khudree said:On behalf of our young and old, free men and slaves, we used to take out during Allah's Messenger's (upon whom be God's peace and blessings) lifetime one Saa` of grain, cheese or raisins".
This contact between the various levels of society helps to build real bonds of kinship and love within the Islamic community and trains those who have, to be generous to those who do not have.
However, it can be paid prior to the above-mentioned period, as many of the Sahabah (companions of Muhammad) used to pay Sadaqah al-Fitr a couple days before the `Eid.
[6] After the spread of Islam the jurists permitted its payment from the beginning and middle of Ramadan so as to ensure that the Zakat al-Fitr reached its beneficiaries on the day of `Eid.
[7] Ibn 'Umar reported that Muhammad ordered that it (Zakat al-Fitr) be given before people go to perform the (`Eid) prayers.
The minimum amount is one sa` (four double handfuls) of food, grain or dried fruit for each member of the family.