“He who obeys the Messenger, obeys Allah; but if any turn away, We have not sent thee to watch over their (evil) deeds.” (Al-Qur`an, 4:80)
Also, “If anyone contends with the Messenger, even after guidance has been plainly conveyed to him, and follows a path other than that becoming to men of faith...” (Al-Qur`an 4:115)
Also, “...So take what the Messenger assigns to you, and deny yourselves that which he withholds from you...” (Al-Qur`an, 59:7)
Eligibility
The giving of the fast breaking alms is mandatory on every Muslim, old, young, man and woman, etc. In a hadith related by Abdullah bin 'Umar (raa) he said: “The Messenger of Allah, has commanded the faster to observe Ramadan fast breaking alms, one Sa'a, (a beaker, a unit of measurement about two kilos and forty grams) of dates, on a bondsman, a freeman, on every
man and woman, young and old...”
This citation indicates that the eligible people who should give these alms, are virtually every living Muslim, provided he or she possesses more than the prescribed amount of provisions, in such a way that, after giving alms, there will remain enough food for him and his family for at least 24 hours.
However, there is no obligation of these alms on the unborn fetus, unless the parents or the guardian wants to give on its behalf voluntary alms. The Leader of the Faithful, `Umar (raa), gave for the unborn.
Thus, it is incumbent on every able believer to give for himself, and for those that he is responsible for; wife and children, and next of kin if they cannot give for themselves. If they can give, it is better that they do so, because every believer is commanded to do so.
In the event that the person does not possess the amount, almsgiving is not mandatory. But, if he possesses half of the amount, it should be given.
Allah states: “So fear Allah as much as you can...” (Al-Qur`an 64:16)
And the Messenger of Allah said: “If I command you with something, do it as much as you
can.” (Agreed upon)
Also Read
Information on Zakat-al-Fitra
