Paying the zakah of fruits in value

Question:
The zakah of fruits after the estimate is paid in value. Some people have a farm; they estimate it, then they pay the zakah in value after the estimate.

Answer:
The obligatory thing is to pay out dates; that is the obligation. However, if there is a need, if he sells the dates and pays the zakah from the value, there is no harm in the Shari'ah, because he has no dates, so he is not required to buy dates. It may also be more beneficial for the poor, or the state may have seen that taking the dates would be difficult for the one in charge of the work on the state's side, and that this is more beneficial for the poor through the state. Otherwise, the default is that the zakah of the wealth is paid from it: from the dates, from the dates; from the grapes, from the grapes; from the camels, from the camels; from the cows, from the cows; and so on. This is the default, unless the state or the rulers see the public benefit, or a situation arises for the owner. The correct view is that it is permissible for him, such as if he sells the crop or the fruit. For example, if he owes the zakah of one sheep on five camels, or two sheep, and he has no flock of sheep, and tending the sheep is a burden on him, and they give him the value, all of this is, if Allah wills, a facilitation.