Following various remarks regarding the permissibility of paying Zakat al-Fitr in cash instead of food, which have circulated through different media outlets and social media platforms, the Grand Mufti of Saudi Arabia, Sheikh Abdulaziz Al al-Sheikh, emphasized that giving Zakat al-Fitr in cash is not valid because it contravenes the practice of the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) and the righteous caliphs who used to issue it in the form of food.
According to the Saudi Press Agency (SPA), the Grand Mufti stated: "Zakat al-Fitr should be given in the form of foodstuffs such as wheat, rice, raisins, or cheese, and it is obligatory for a Muslim in the place where he witnesses sunset on the last day of Ramadan. It is also permissible to give it one or two days before Eid."
He added: "It can be initiated from the 28th or 29th of Ramadan, and Zakat al-Fitr must be delivered into the hands of the needy poor or given to those appointed to deliver it."
He further remarked: "Zakat al-Fitr is prescribed for all Muslims, regardless of gender, age, status, or whether they are free or enslaved, at a measure of one saa' of food. This is based on authentic narrations in Sahih al-Bukhari and Sahih Muslim, where Ibn Umar (may Allah be pleased with him) reported that the Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) prescribed Zakat al-Fitr from Ramadan as one saa' of dates or one saa' of barley for every Muslim, man or woman, young or old, free or slave. One gives it for oneself and on behalf of those one supports, such as a wife and children. May Allah guide everyone to follow the Sunnah upon its Prophet, may the best prayers and peace be upon him."
