What is the ruling on paying zakat al-fitr in cash?

Question:
The questioner asks: What is the ruling on paying zakat al-fitr in cash, given that in our country, when the time for zakat arrives, they announce that the value of the zakat is such-and-such in cash, and not in the food that people eat?

Answer:
This is a change to the Sunnah of the Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings be upon him). The Sunnah of the Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings be upon him) is to give food in the charity of fitr. He did not order the use of money, even though money existed in his time (peace and blessings be upon him). This is because people need food on the day of the festival.
Especially the poor who live by earning a living or by their profession. On the day of the festival, work stops, so there is no opportunity to work, and the shops are closed, so there is no opportunity to buy food. If they are given food that is sufficient for them for that day, and they rejoice with the people, this is the wisdom in the Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings be upon him) ordering food. He said: "Make them rich enough to not have to ask for anything on this day." Yes.