Question # 501: Should I pay zakaat al-fitr on behalf of my unborn child who is still in his mother’s womb?
bismi-llahi r-raḥmani r-raḥīm,
Assalamu ‘laikum warahmatullahi wabarakatuh,
All praise and thanks are due to Allah (سبحانه و تعالى), and peace and blessings be upon His Messenger (صلى الله عليه و سلم).
Dear questioner,
First of all, we implore Allah (سبحانه و تعالى) to help us serve His cause and render our work for His sake.
Shorter Answer: Although not obligatory, it is mustahabb (recommended) to pay zakat ul-fitr on behalf of an unborn child who is still in mother’s womb because of what ‘Uthman (رضي الله عنه) did.
Long Answer: It is not obligatory to pay zakat ul-fitr on behalf of an unborn child who is still in the mother’s womb according to the opinions of most scholars. Ibn Al-Munthir reported that the scholars unanimously agreed on this ruling. Hanbali scholars considered it recommended since ‘Uthman ibn ‘Affan (رضي الله عنه) used to pay zakat ul-fitr on behalf of a fetus. Abu Qulabah said, “They preferred paying zakat ul-fitr on behalf of young and old family members, even the fetus still in the mother’s womb.”
According to Dr. Main Khalid Al-Qudah, Member of the Fatwa Committee of Assembly of Muslim Jurists in America: “No Zakat Al-Fitr required on behalf of the fetus. However, if [one] chooses to pay it, it will be acceptable and rewardable in sha Allah.”
(Unless stated otherwise, the above reply is based on the answer provided by Islamweb.net, a web site belonging to the Ministry of Awqaf and Islamic Affairs in the State of Qatar)
Allahu A’lam (Allah (سبحانه و تعالى) knows best) and all Perfections belong to Allah, and all mistakes belong to me alone. May Allah (سبحانه و تعالى) forgive me, Ameen.
Wassalaam
