In our country, we pay zakat al-fitr in the form of money, and if we want to pay it from what the Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings be upon him) prescribed, namely wheat, barley, or rice,
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The questioner : He says: In our country, we pay zakat al-fitr in the form of money, and if we want to pay it from what the Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings be upon him) prescribed, namely wheat, barley, or rice, we may not find anyone to accept it from us. Please guide us, may Allah reward you.
The Shaykh : Paying zakat al-fitr in money is a mistake, and it does not suffice for the one who pays it, based on the saying of the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him and his family):Sahih Muslim 1718b meaning: it is rejected from him. It is established in al-Bukhari and others from Ibn 'Umar that he said: Sahih al-Bukhari 1503.
And the fard means: the definite obligation.
But some of the scholars (may Allah have mercy on them) permitted paying it in money. So if one follows these scholars and pays it, it is sufficient if he does not know the truth in this matter.
As for the one who knows that it must be from food, but he pays money because it is easier and more convenient for him, then it does not suffice for him.
But the situation mentioned by the questioner, if we do not find anyone who accepts food, meaning we do not find anyone who accepts rice, dates, or wheat, and they do not accept anything but money, then at that time we pay it in money. We estimate the value of the sa' from the middle grade and pay that.
The Shaykh : Paying zakat al-fitr in money is a mistake, and it does not suffice for the one who pays it, based on the saying of the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him and his family):
He who did any act for which there is no sanction from our behalf, that is to be rejected.
من عمل عملاً ليس عليه أمرنا فهو ردAllah's Messenger (ﷺ) enjoined the payment of one Sa' of dates or one Sa' of barley as Zakat-ul-Fitr
فرض رسول الله صلى الله عليه وعلى آله وسلم زكاة الفطر صاعاً من تمر أو صاعاً من شعيرAnd the fard means: the definite obligation.
But some of the scholars (may Allah have mercy on them) permitted paying it in money. So if one follows these scholars and pays it, it is sufficient if he does not know the truth in this matter.
As for the one who knows that it must be from food, but he pays money because it is easier and more convenient for him, then it does not suffice for him.
But the situation mentioned by the questioner, if we do not find anyone who accepts food, meaning we do not find anyone who accepts rice, dates, or wheat, and they do not accept anything but money, then at that time we pay it in money. We estimate the value of the sa' from the middle grade and pay that.