The word Fitr means the same as Iftar, breaking a fast and it comes from the same root word as Futoor which means breakfast. This is a duty which is wajib (required) of every Muslim, whether male or female, minor or adult as long as he/she has the means to do so. According to Islamic tradition (Sunnah), Ibn ‘Umar said that Muhammad made Zakat al-Fitr compulsory on every slave, freeman, male, female, young and old among the Muslims; one Saa` of dried dates or one Saa` of barley. [Sahih 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 (upon whom be God’s peace and blessings) lifetime one Sa` of grain, cheese or raisins”. [Sahih Muslim – English transl. vol. 2, p. 469, no. 2155]