French Muslim Council Raises Zakat Al-Fitr Amount Due to Inflation

Zakat al-fitr goes from 7 euros to 9 euros due to inflation and the constant increase in the cost of living. "We did not do it last year reluctantly since the other institutions, especially the humanitarian associations, preceded us in declaring the zakat at 7 €," explained the theologian Mohamed Najah to Saphirnews. This time, the CTMF has taken the lead over the humanitarian associations, leaving them "time to update their forms." The Muslim organization justifies its decision: "It is generally accepted that this zakat constitutes an obligation for every Muslim, thus representing a right of the needy. The non-revaluation of this financial contribution is perceived as an infringement on the share accruing to the destitute." "Despite the various annual inflations observed in the food sector," the zakat has been between 5 € and 7 € over the past five years.

Just like zakat al-fitr, fidya, the compensation for days not fasted, is also set at 9 €. The CTMF says it has opted for the opinion recommending a fidya equivalent to zakat al-fitr. This, after taking into account the Quranic recommendations requiring to feed a poor person properly and with dignity, as well as the most appropriate legal opinion to meet this requirement. "For those who have the means, the sum of nine euros reflects the minimum value of the fidya. The Quran indeed recommends giving more than the minimum required," specifies the CTMF. On the other hand, "those with modest incomes who cannot pay a Fidyah of 9 € can follow the legal opinion recommending half of the zakat al-fitr