The Ruling on Paying Zakat al-Fitr in Money

Question:
He asks: Is it permissible to pay Zakat al-Fitr in money?

Answer:
No, Zakat al-Fitr is to be paid with what the Messenger (peace and blessings be upon him) specified: a sa' of food, or a sa' of barley, a sa' of dates, a sa' of raisins, or a sa' of barley. The Messenger specified these items and their quantity, namely the sa'. If these items are not available, the food of the country suffices in their place; whatever the people of the country eat, one pays a sa' of it, and that is sufficient. The phrase "a sa' of food" is used because everything that is food for people qualifies. As for dirhams, they do not suffice for the charity of al-Fitr.
This is because the poor on the day of 'Eid are in need of food, not money. There are no shops open for them to buy with money, and they want to cook and eat on this day. They might die of hunger while having money, because there are no open shops. The Messenger (peace and blessings be upon him) ordered the payment of food because it is appropriate for this day, as it is a day of 'Eid and a day of eating. Give them food so they can be happy and cook with the people. Yes.