is one of its objectives. Otherwise, its primary purpose is to purify the fasting person from idle and obscene speech. Hence, the scholars stated that the imam should delay the Eid prayer on Eid al-Fitr so that there is ample time to give zakat al-fitr. The religious day begins at the break of dawn.

It must reach its recipient, or his agent—that is, the poor person’s agent—before the prayer. The poor person may appoint the one responsible for paying zakat al-fitr on his behalf as his agent to receive it.

For example, the poor person may say to the giver of the charity: “You are my agent with respect to whatever zakat al-fitr you give me.” In that case, the man measures out the zakat al-fitr and takes possession of it himself, keeping it in a place until the poor person returns from his journey, if he is travelling, for example, or in similar circumstances. Thus, the man has received the zakat al-fitr from himself on behalf of his principal.

But if he says to the poor person, “I have zakat al-fitr for you,” this is insufficient until the poor person takes possession of it, or appoints him as his agent to receive it.

His statement, “It is disliked during the remainder of that day,” means that it is disliked to give zakat al-fitr during the remainder of Eid day. This is a third time for giving it: from after the Eid prayer until sunset on Eid day. This is a disliked time, because giving it after the prayer misses part of the purpose of providing for the poor on that day; they will not be provided for until after the prayer. Whoever wishes to give it to them so as to provide for them must give it to them before the prayer, so that they may share in the joy throughout the entire day.

The evidence that it is valid is its inclusion in the Prophet’s saying, peace and blessings be upon him: “Provide for them so that they need not ask on