Is it permissible to pay the value of zakat al-fitr?

Question : May Allah keep you safe, Shaykh. Some people hold that money is more beneficial to the poor person than food. Is it permissible to pay the value in that case?

Answer : It is not permissible. One must give food, as the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) made obligatory . Barley was their food at that time. So its purpose is from two types that differ in value and kind, yet are given in the same amount. This indicates that value is not considered, and that is indeed the case.