The ruling on paying zakat al-fitr in money?

Question:
He says: Honorable Shaykh, may Allah grant you success, in these days people are in need of money to buy some necessities. He says: So is it permissible for us to pay zakat al-fitr in money?

Answer:
No, this is not permissible. To change one of the rites of Islam, which the Messenger (peace and blessings be upon him) commanded, is not allowed. He commanded food, and commanded measuring it by the sa' (a dry measure of about 3 kg). To change this and say money, when money existed in the time of the Messenger (peace and blessings be upon him) and was easier for people, why did he not say to pay money?
We do not change the acts of worship that are explicitly stated; we do not change them with our minds and understandings. The one who does not want food, you do not give it to him; he is not entitled to it. Give it to one who is entitled to food. The one who says, "No, I am not in need of food," you say, "You are not in need, so look for one who is in need." There are poor households that rejoice in food; they rejoice in rice.