Paying Zakat al-Fitr in Money

Question:
His second point: Shaykh Salih says, is it permissible to pay the value of Zakat al-Fitr in money?

Answer:
No, it is not permissible to pay it in money, because the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) commanded that it be paid out of food. The Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) commanded it in this manner, measuring it by the sa' and specifying the types from which it is to be paid, namely the usual staple food of the country. Therefore, dirhams are not acceptable, because dirhams did not exist in the time of the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him), and he did not command paying dirhams for the charity of Fitr. Rather, he commanded food, and people are in need of food on the day of the festival. The shops may be closed, and a person may not find work to do in order to eat as on other days. If he receives food, he benefits from it on that day. Yes.