The ruling on paying zakat al-fitr for one’s children in another country

Question:
The questioner asks: How do I pay my zakat al-fitr here? Do I buy rice and then pay it? I am from Egypt, and I do not know a truly poor person in this country. May I give it to any individual I consider poor? Also, do I pay the zakat for my children in Egypt, or only for those who are with me here?

Answer:
The matter is broad in this regard. If you wish to pay your zakat al-fitr here, and your children pay theirs in their home country, that is the default and the best option. You pay your zakat al-fitr in this country, and the poor are present; the poor are present, attaching themselves to people now in the streets. Give them your zakat al-fitr. Give your zakat al-fitr to those who ask. You pay your zakat al-fitr here, and your children pay theirs in their home country. It is permissible for you to pay your zakat al-fitr and your children’s here. This is permissible. It is also permissible to do the opposite, where your children pay their zakat al-fitr and yours in Egypt. This is permissible. All of this is permissible. The important thing is that you pay the zakat al-fitr here or there. That is what matters.