Al-Mu’min: The One Who Gives Emaan & Security

Allah calls Himself Al-Mu’min— The Giver of tranquillity, The Source of faith— on one occasion in the Quran. He is the One who bestows the gifts of peace, security, and faith. Al-Mu’min removes fear, affirms His oneness, and is the Most Faithful!

The Bestower of Faith and Security, the Faithful

Mu’min comes from the root hamza-meem-noon, which points to four main meanings. The first main meaning is to be secure, safe, and free from fear, and the second is to be quiet and tranquil. The third main meaning is to grant protection and to safeguard, the fourth is to be trustworthy, and the fifth main meaning is to believe in.

This root appears 879 times in the Quran in 17 derived forms. Examples of these forms are amintum (“do you feel secure”), aamanoo (“believed”), al-amaanaati (“the trusts”), ameenun (“trustworthy”), al-imaani (“the faith”), and al-mu’mineena (“the believers”).

Linguistically mu’min points out to three concepts. One is emaan, which is to affirm something, and the opposite of it is to deny something. Al Mu’min is the One who affirms and believes His oneness. Allah Himself bears witness that there is no deity worthy of worship except Him. [Quran, 3:18] The other concept is that of aman, which means security, safety, and freedom from fear. The word amaanah (translated as “a trust”) comes from the same root. Al-Mu’min is the One who affirms and believes His oneness; He is the One who gives security and removes the opposite— which is fear— and is the best keeper of amaanaat, the One who is most faithful.

Al-Mu’min Himself says: He is Allah , other than whom there is no deity, the Sovereign, the Pure, The Perfection, the Bestower of Faith. [Quran, 59:23]

Who receives the aman of Allah?

The ones who have emaan— belief in Allah ‘azza wa jall— and who act accordingly are the ones who will receive Allah’s aman (security) in this world and the Hereafter. In this world they will experience a sense of serenity and peace of heart during hardship as well as during the terror of the Last Day.

Those who are steadfast (istaqaamah) will have aman in this world, at death, in the grave and on the Day of Judgement. Al-Mu’min says: Indeed, those who say: ‘Our Lord is Allah,’ and then they remain firm (upon that statement), on them the angels will descend (saying): ‘Fear not, nor grieve! But receive the glad tidings of Paradise which you have been promised!’ [Quran, 41:30]

How can you live by this name?

1. Believe in Allah and His messengers.

Have emaan, which is your belief in Allah combined with action in following His commands and staying away from His prohibitions, and you will receive His aman (security) in this world and the next. Whoever brings a good deed will have better than it (ie, a better reward) and they will be, on that day, at peace during the terror. [Quran, 27:89] So read the Quran often, give sadaqah, and focus on your prayers so Al-Mu’min will give you safety on the Day of Judgement.

2. Believe in the promises of Al-Mu’min.

The people of Paradise will say: All praise and thanks is only for Allah, the One who fulfilled His promise to us. [Quran, 39:74] Believe that the promise of Al-Mu’min will always come true. For example His promise is that sadaqah will not decrease wealth, so trust in this fact and fulfil your promises to your best ability.

3. Ask Al-Mu’min for aman in difficult situations.

Al-Mu’min is the only source of aman so ask Him only to grant you safety, as the Prophet salallahu ‘alayhi wa sallam said to Abu Bakr radiyallahu ‘anhu: Be not afraid, surely Allah is with us. [Quran, 9:40] No matter how hard the situation, have emaan and ask Al-Mu’min to give you aman– peace and security— in your heart.

4. Take care of trusts.

The Prophet salallahu ‘alayhi wa sallam said: The believer is one from whose tongue and hand the believers are safe and: The believer is one in whom the people would entrust their blood and wealth. [At-Tirmidhee] An example is to make sure you don’t harm others by your tongue through backbiting.

The Prophet salallahu ‘alayhi wa sallam was called al-ameen, the trustworthy one, strive to be known for your trustworthiness. Return amaanaat (trusts) safely, such as borrowed items or even by keeping secrets entrusted to you. Umar ibn al-Khattab radiyallahu ‘anhu said: If your brother mentions something to you in private, then walks away, it is an amaanah (trust) even if he didn’t instruct you not to inform anyone. [Ibn Muflih’s Adaab Ash-Sharee’ah] Your body is also an amaanah given to you by Allah ‘azza wa jall, so make an effort to use it in the right way.

5. Be thankful for your safety.

Reflect on the blessing of security and safety. Let them worship the Lord of this House, Who has fed them, [saving them] from hunger and made them safe, [saving them] from fear. [Quran 106:3-4] If Al-Mu’min gave you a safe place to live and work, show your thankfulness; many are not in this position and teach children to recognize this favour upon them.

6. Ask Al-Mu’min.

Ask Al-Mu’min to bless you with emaan until your last breath and to adorn you with the characteristics of the mu’minoon (believers) as mentioned in the Quran and Sunnah and in turn study these features so you can work on adopting them. When you are scared turn to Al-Mu’min for safety. When your emaan is low ask Him to strengthen it. The Prophet salallahu ‘alayhi wa sallam taught this supplication (part of the full supplication mentioned in the morning and evening remembrance: Allahumma-stur ‘awraatee wa aamin raw’aatee. O Allah, veil my weaknesses and set at ease my dismay (grant me aman. [Ibn Maajah, Abu Dawud]

O Allah, Al-Mu’min, we know that You are the Source of Faith and Giver of safety. Bless us with strong emaan, lead us in taking care of our trusts and fulfilling our promises, and adorn us with all the characteristics of Your beloved believers. Grant us steadfastness and safety in this world and the Hereafter, and make us of those who enjoy the ultimate safety of Paradise, ameen!

And Allah knows best.

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I LOVE ALLAH

Nasheed with a fascinating story - Allah akbar -La illaha ila allah - نشيد مع قصة رائعة

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Dua

ﺑِﺴْـــــــﻢِﷲِﺍﻟﺮَّﺣْﻤَﻦِﺍلرَّﺣِﻴﻢ

Rabbana Aatina Fid Dunya Hasanatou Wa Fil Aakheerati Hasanatou  Waqeena Aazaban Naar....

Oh Allah give us goodness in the Dunya and goodness in the Aakhirah and save us from the punishment of the fire.

Waqeena Aazabul Qabr

and save us from the punishment of the grave.

Waqeena Aazabul Hashr

and save us from the punishment of the day of Reckoning

Waqeena Aazabul Faqr

and save us from the punishment of poverty

Waqeena Aazabul Meezaan

and save us from the punishment of the scales.

Waqeena Aazabul Karz

and save us from the punishment of debt

Waqeena Aazabul Marz

and save us from the punishment of sickness

Waqeena Aazabul Aafaat

and save us from the punishment of calamities

Waqeena Aazabul Sakraat

and save us from the punishment of the pangs of death.

Waqeena Aazabul Maut

and save us from the punishment of death

Waqeena Aazabul Fitnatul Masihid Dajjal

and save us from the punishment of the trails of Dajjal

Waqeena Aazaban Naar.....

and save us from the punishment of the fire.

Amin.

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Zakaah Al-Fitr

Zakaah al-Fitr:

1. MEANING:

Zakaah al-Fitr is often referred to as Sadaqah al-Fitr. The word Fitr means the same as Iftaar, breaking a fast and it comes from the same root word as Futoor which means breakfast. Thus, Islamically, Zakaah al-Fitr is the name given to charity which is distributed at the end of the fast of Ramadaan.

2. CLASSIFICATION:

Sadaqah al-Fitr is a duty which is Waajib on every Muslim, whether male or female, minor or adult as long as he/she has the means to do so. The proof that this form of charity is compulsory can be found in the Sunnah whereby Ibn `Umar reported that the Prophet

(sallallaahu `alaihi wa sallam) made Zakaah al-Fitr compulsory on every slave, freeman, male, female, young and old among the Muslims; one Saa` of dried dates or one Saa` of barely. [collected by Bukhari - Arabic/English, vol. 2, p. 339, no. 579]. The head of the household may pay the required amount for the other members. Abu Sa'eed al-Khudree said, "On behalf of our young and old, free men and slaves, we used to take out during Allaah's Messenger's (sallallaahu 'alaihi wa sallam) lifetime one Saa` of grain, cheese or raisins". [collected by Muslim - English transl. vol. 2, p. 469, no. 2155].

3. SIGNIFICANCE:

The significant role played by Zakaah in the circulation of wealth within the Islamic society is also played by the Sadaqah al-Fitr. However, in the case of Sadaqah al-Fitr, each individual is required to calculate how much charity is due from himself and his dependents and go into the community in order to find those who deserve such charity. Thus, Sadaqah al-Fitr plays a very important role in the development of the bonds of community. The rich are obliged to come in direct contact with the poor, and the poor are put in contact with the extremely poor. This contact between the various levels of society helps to build real bonds of brotherhood and love within the Islamic community and trains

those who have, to be generous to those who do not have.

4. PURPOSE:

The main purpose of Zakaah al-Fitr is to provide those who fasted with the means of making up for their errors during the month of fasting. Zakaah al-Fitr also provides the poor with a means with which they can celebrate the festival of breaking the fast (`Eed al-Fitr) along with the rest of the Muslims. Ibn Abbaas reported, "The Prophet (sallallaahu 'alaihi wa sallam) made Zakaah al-Fitr compulsory so that those who fasted may be purified of their idle deeds and shameful talk (committed during Ramadaan) and so that the poor may be fed. Whoever gives it before Salaah will have it accepted as Zakaah, while he who gives it after the Salaah has given Sadaqah." [collected by Abu Dawood - Eng. transl. vol. 2, p. 421, no. 1605 - rated Saheeh by Shaikh Naser Al-Albanee] Hence, the goal of Sadaqah al-Fitr is the spiritual development of the Believers. By making them give up some of their wealth, the believers are taught the higher moral characteristics of generosity, compassion (sympathy for the unfortunate), gratitude to God and the righteousness. But, since Islaam does not neglect man's material need, part of the goal of Zakaah al-Fitr is the economic well-being of the poorer members of society.

5. CONDITIONS:

Zakaah al-Fitr is only Waajib for aparticular period of time. If one misses the time period without a good reason, he has sinned and can not make it up. This form of charity becomes obligatory from sunset on the last day of fasting and remains obligatory until the

beginning of Salaah al-'Eed' (i.e. shortly after sunrise on the following day). However, it can be paid prior to the above mentioned period, as many of the Sahaabah (companions of the Prophet (sallallaahu 'alaihi wa sallam) used to pay Sadaqah al-Fitr a couple days before the `Eed. Naafi reported that the Prophet's companion Ibn `Umar used to give it to those who would accept it and the people used to give it a day or two before the `Eed. [collected by al-Bukhaaree - Arabic/English, Vol. 2, p.339, no. 579] Ibn `Umar reported that the Prophet (sallallaahu 'alaihi wa sallam) order that it (Zakaah al- Fitr) be given before people go to make the Salaah (al-'Eed). And Ibn `Abbaas reported that the Prophet (sallallaahu 'alaihi wa sallam) said, "Whoever gives it before the Salaah will have it accepted as Zakaah, while he who gives it after the Salaah (will not, for it will only be considered as) ordinary charity. Therefore, one who forgets to pay this Zakaah al- Fitr on time should do so as soon as possible even though it will not be counted as Zakaah al-Fitr.

6. RATE:

The amount of Zakaah is the same for everyone regardless of their different income brackets. The minimum amount is one Saa` (two handfuls ) of food, grain or dried fruit for each member of the family. This calculation is based on Ibn `Umar's report that the Prophet(sallallaahu 'alaihi wa sallam) made Zakaah al-Fitr compulsory and payable by a Saa` of dried dates or a Saa` of barley. The Sahaabee, Abu Sa`eed al- Khudree said, "In the Prophet's time, we used to give it (Zakaah al- Fitr) as a Saa` of food, dried dates, barley, raisins or dried cheese". [collected by al-Bukhaaree - Arabic/English vol. 2, p. 340, no. 582]

Salam Alaykum waramatullahi wabarakatu.

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Meaning of Surah Ad-Duha

Many of us know surah ad-duha off by heart and have probably read its meaning many times as well, which seems quite straightforward. How many of us, though, have actually gone into the reason behind its revelation and derived the lessons and implications this surah has in our lives?

This surah was revealed to Prophet Muhammad (saw) at a time when he had not received any revelation for six months, not even in the form of a dream! The Prophet (saw) was in a very disturbed state of mind, feeling negative and depressed and believing that Allah was displeased with him, had forgotten him, and did not want him as a Nabi anymore.

Don’t we have similar feelings in our lives? Times when our level of imaan is low, our khushoo in salah wavers and we feel a drop in our connection with Allah? We feel like our duas are not being answered, our salah is not having a positive impact on our hearts, and worst of all the feeling that we’re horrible human beings, that Allah doesn’t love us or doesn’t care about us anymore.

Surah Ad-Duha was revealed to the Prophet (saw) to relieve him of these negative feelings and to give him hope, positivity, and the assurance that Allah is with him no matter what. From it we too can find peace, hope, and a renewed faith in Allah when we go through similar states of depression, sadness, and hopelessness.

So what does this surah say?

Wad duhaa— By the morning brightness

This is the first thing you need to hear when you’re depressed: Wake up, look at the sunshine! Everything in life is not doom and gloom– you just have to look up!

Wal laili iza sajaa— And [by] the night when it covers with darkness,

Why is this aayah immediately talking about darkness? As a reminder to us that the night is meant to cover and give us comfort and rest. Generally when we’re depressed, we tend to get into a very bad sleep pattern by staying up at night and sleeping all day, thereby worsening our state of mind. This aayah reminds us to use the night as a comfort to ease our distress.

Ma wad da’aka rabbuka wa ma qalaa— Your Lord has not taken leave of you, [O Muhammad], nor has He detested [you].

This is a very powerful verse from Allah telling us that He doesn’t hate us and hasn’t forgotten us– reminding the depressed person that He is always by his or her side!

Walal-aakhiratu khairul laka minal-oola— And the Hereafter is better for you than the first [life].

Many times when we’re depressed we think: Is this all my life is going to be? Is it never going to get better? This aayah serves as a perfect answer to those questions, reminding us that life in this world is temporary and that Aakhira is certainly a better, more permanent place for us than this world could ever be. This makes us look forward to attaining our place in Jannah and helps us look at any problems in our lives as temporary tests of our faith from Allah.

Wa la sawfa y’uteeka rabbuka fatarda— And your Lord is going to give you, and you will be satisfied.

A promise from Allah that very soon he will give us a massive reward (Jannah) and we will be happy! Subhanallah! Isn’t this the best thing to hear when you’re depressed and fed up with this worldly life and the problems you’re facing?

Alam ya jidka yateeman fa aawaa – Did He not find you an orphan and give [you] refuge?

From this verse onwards, Allah gives us reason to believe His declarations and promises in the first half of the surah. Now many of us may think: how would this aayah about orphans relate to the majority of us? Think about it– weren’t there many times in your life when you were sick or lonely and felt like you had nobody who cared about you? Who was the only one by your side at that time? Allah! It was He who took care of you and guided you out of that stage in life.

Wa wa jadaka ‘aa-ilan fa aghnaa— And He found you poor and made [you] self-sufficient.

Many of us have probably gone through many periods in our lives when we have been short of money and wealth. Now when we look back we realize that it was only Allah who gave us that rizq in some form and got us through those tough financial times. When a person is depressed, giving him or her examples of how Allah has helped them in the past will strengthen their conviction and belief in the promises Allah makes in this surah for their future.

Fa am mal yateema fala taqhar — So as for the orphan, do not oppress [him].

This aayah is the ultimate antidote to depression!

Depressed people are mostly consumed with their situation and feel that nobody could possibly be in a worse situation. This aayah reminds us to look at people who are in far worse situations than ourselves when we’re feeling hopeless and depressed— Look at the orphans, who have no family or loved ones and nobody to care for them. We have families and parents who love us, a roof over our heads and food on the table and we still think we’re in a bad situation? Subhanallah!

Wa am mas saa-ila fala tanhar— And as for the petitioner, do not repel [him].

Another example is of the beggar – to once again remind us of the many material blessings that Allah has given us that we take for granted – food, clothing and shelter. How many of us have ever gone to sleep hungry? How many of us don’t have clothes to wear? Or don’t have a home to go to? These examples of the orphan and the beggar are ones we should constantly remind ourselves of to be thankful for the numerous blessings Allah has given us, get over our depression and feel connected to Allah again, out of gratitude.

Wa amma bi ne’mati rabbika fahad dith – But as for the favor of your Lord, report [it].

This final aayah is about maintaining that renewed faith and bond with Allah – by pondering, glorifying and talking about the blessings of Allah! Either in terms of halaqas, discussions with family and friends or even da’wah! Dhikr, reading quran and listening to lectures are also great ways to keep the remembrance of Allah close to your heart!So the next time you feel disconnected, disheartened or depressed with your level of Imaan and your connection with Allah – read Surah Ad Duha and ponder over its meanings – Inshallah it will restore your faith and increase your belief in the greatness and power of our creator

Allahu Allam........

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Al-‘Azeez – The Mighty

Allah calls Himself Al-‘Azeez— The Almighty, The Strong– on 92 occassions in the Quran. He is the One who overcomes everything. Al-‘Azeez is the incomparable source of all strength and might, and His power cannot be overcome or resisted. He gives honour, dignity, and strength to whomever He wills!

The Powerful, Noble, Invincible, and Incomparable

‘Azeez comes from the root ‘ayn-zay-zay, which points to four main meanings. The first main meaning is to be mighty and powerful and the second is to be noble and elevated. The third main meaning is to be invincible, and the fourth is to be rare and unattainable.
This root appears 119 times in the Quran in 7 derived forms. Examples of these forms are waʿazzanee (“and he overpowered me”), a’azzu (“mightier”), and ‘izzan (“an honor”).

Linguistically, al-‘izz originally means strength (quwwah), severity (shiddah), and conquest (ghalabah). ‘Azeez points to three concepts: ya’izzu, which means nobility, ya’uzzu, which means to prevail and be dominant, and ya’azzu, which means being mighty and powerful. Al-‘Azeez is the Noble One, no one is like Him, He is ghaalib and has overcome everything in that He has subdued it [Ibn Katheer] and He is the Invincible who cannot be reached and overcome. [Al-Qurtubi]

Al-‘Azeez Himself says: And know that Allah is All-Mighty, All-Wise [Quran, 2:260] And . . . Allah is All-Mighty, All-Able of Retribution [Quran, 3:4] . . . And verily, your Lord! He is truly the All-Mighty, the Most Merciful. [Quran, 26:68]

A beautiful poem about Al-‘Azeez

Ibn ul Qayyim raheemahullah wrote in his Nooniyyah: And He is Al-Azeez whose (status) cannot be reached (overcome) How can He be reached, the owner of all Power? And He is Al-‘Azeez, the Overpowering (Al-Qaahir), the Subduing Overcomer. Nothing overcomes Him, so these are two characteristics. And He is Al-Azeez, with Strength (quwwah) and this is His description. Al-Izz, therefore, has three meanings. And these are the ones that are perfected for Him, free is He of all imperfection, From every single aspect, the One who is devoid of any deficiency.

A powerful and wise combination

How many people have power but misuse it? The combination Al-‘Azeez-ul-Hakeem (The All-Mighty, the All-Wise) appears 47 times in the Quran; Allah al-‘Azeez uses His power with perfect wisdom. Allah ‘azza wa jall uses Al-Azeez-ur-Raheem (The All-Mighty, The Merciful) which occurs twelve times in surah Ash-Shu’araa after the narration of each destroyed nation. Against the disbelievers He is mighty and especially merciful to the believers striving on His path.

How can you live by this name?

1. Seek your strength from Al-‘Azeez.
Having faith in Al-‘Azeez gives you courage because you know Your Lord is unbeatable. Whatever He wills happens, even if the people will otherwise, and whatever He wills not to happen won’t, even if the people will it. So only work to seek His pleasure and be confident He will help you. He has power over all things, so accept whatever happens to you and show sabr (perseverance) and shukr (gratefulness) for whatever befalls on you. When you feel weak or overpowered, turn to Al-‘Azeez for strength.

2. Know that your ‘izzah is in Islam.
Your honor does not lie in money, power, or looks; rather your honor is only in Islam. How many seek honor from other things or people? Al-‘Azeez said: Those who take disbelievers for protectors (or helpers or friends) instead of believers, do they seek honor, power and glory with them? Verily, then to Allah belongs all honour, power and glory. [Quran, 4: 139] Seek your honor in this life and the next from Al-‘Azeez only, by obeying Him and following His Messenger.

3. There’s no hiding from Al-‘Azeez.
Let Al-‘Azeez make you recognize that no matter who you are, how pious or “high-positioned” you are, you can never hide from His might and power. The repetition of Al-‘Azeez in the Quran can teach you that you constantly have to remind yourself that you can never go against His Will, and He is mighty against those who disobey Him.

4. Power doesn’t mean honor!
Always use your own “power” or authority in an honourable way, over your children or spouse for example. Train yourself to have strength to resist desires by reminding yourself of the wisdom Al-‘Azeez, who uses His power with wisdom, and always try to strengthen others with your advice, skills, or company.
The Prophet salallahu ‘alayhi wa sallam said: Whoever a believer is humiliated before him and he does not help him when he is able to do so, Allah will humiliate him before the creation on the day of judgment. [Ahmad]

5. Honor trusts.
The Prophet salallahu ‘alayhi wa sallam said: All of a Muslim is inviolable to another Muslim: his blood, his wealth and his honor [Muslim]. Don’t harm others by your tongue or hand; don’t backbite, slander, or misuse their belongings or even expose their faults.
You can even earn Allah’s protection from the Fire by defending someone’s honor. The Prophet salallahu ‘alayhi wa sallam said: Whoever defends the honor of his brother, then Allah will protect his face from the Hellfire on the Day of Resurrection. [At-Tirmidhee] An example is to rebut backbiting in a company and to mention something good about the person in his or her absence. Your relationships with others are a trust (amaanah) from Al-‘Azeez and you should honor each trust you are given— in your dealings with others, as well as your own body and emaan— by looking after them according to the guidelines of Al-‘Azeez.

6. Use the Quran, al-’azeez!
Allah ‘azza wa jall called the Quran azeez because it is His speech: Verily, those who disbelieved in the Reminder (the Qur’ân) when it came to them (shall receive the punishment). And verily, it is an honourable respected Book. Falsehood cannot come to it from before it or behind it (it is) sent down by the All-Wise, Worthy of all praise. [Quran, 41:41-42] Stop and reflect; this means the Quran contains everything you need to succeed in life, because it comes from your Creator. It is your manual— and why is a manual read? Only because you want to make something work. So don’t just read the Quran but also use it as your manual.

O Allah, Al ‘Azeez, we know that all might belongs to You. Adorn us with the honour of Islaam, protect us from misusing our powers, make us of those who rely upon Your power only, make us benefit from the Quran and protect us from all of those who want to overpower us, ameen!

And Allah knows best.

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The rate of zakat al-fitr if it is given in the form of meat

Ibn al-Qayyim (may Allah have mercy on him) said that it is permissible to give zakat al-fitr in the form of meat, as he mentioned in I‘laam al-Muwaqqi‘een (3/12): 
If their staple food is something other than grains, such as milk, meat or fish, they may give their zakat al-fitr in the form of their staple food, no matter what it is… 
My question is: if I want to give meat, must I give 2.5 kilograms of meat, or should I work out the value of rice and the cost of a saa‘ of rice, then convert it into a cash value, and then buy meat with that cash value?

Praise be to Allah

Firstly: 

In fatwa no. 99327 we stated that it is permissible to give zakat al-fitr in the form of meat, for those whose staple food is meat. 

Secondly: 

There are hadiths from the Messenger (blessings and peace of Allah be upon him) which give the rate of zakat al-fitr as a saa‘ of food. If the Muslim chooses to give zakat al-fitr in the form of meat, or anything else that is weighed and not measured, then he should work out the amount of his zakat al-fitr by weight. 

Shaykh Ibn ‘Uthaymeen (may Allah have mercy on him) said: 

But some have told us that a saa‘ of meat cannot be measured, so we say: If it is not possible to measure something, then we should resort to weighing it. 

End quote from ash-Sharh al-Mumti‘ (6/182) 

The scholars have stated the rate of zakat al-fitr, if it is given in the form of meat. It says in Haashiyat ad-Dasooqi al-Maaliki (5/36):

Zakat al-fitr is to given “by weight in the case of meat and the like” means meat and similar things, such as yoghurt, which are to be given in the form of five and one-third Baghdadi artaal. End quote.

A ratl (pl. artaal) is a unit of weight and also of measure. Many researchers have determined that the Baghdadi ratl is equivalent to 408 grams. 

See: Majallat al-Buhooth al-Islamiyyah, issue no. 39 and 59 

Based on that, zakat al-fitr in the form of meat is 2176 grams. 

It is well-known that giving the equivalent of the saa‘ in weight is also approximate, because the weight of a saa ‘ differs according to whatever is measured in this manner. So if the Muslim decides to err on the side of caution and give more than that, that is better. 

Ibn Qudaamah (may Allah have mercy on him) said: 

We have indicated that the saa‘ is equivalent to five and one  third Baghdadi artaal, and the ratl is originally a unit of measurement. In terms of weight, the scholars estimated it so that it may be known and transmitted to others. 

A number of scholars narrated from Ahmad that he said: I weighed the saa‘ and found it to be five and one third artaal of wheat. 

He also said: We took some lentils and used them as the standard, for they are the best thing that we have come across to be used as a standard for weighing, because they do not shift around. So we took a measure of lentils, then we weighed it and we found it to be five and one third artaal. 

So if the saa‘ is five and one third artaal of wheat and lentils, which are among the heaviest of grains, then other types of zakat al-fitr must be lighter than them, in which case if a person gives five and one third artaal of them, this will be more than a saa‘ … It is better for the one who gives something heavy by weight to err on the side of caution and add a little to it so that he may be certain that he has given a saa‘. 

End quote from al-Mughni (4/287) 

And Allah knows best.

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