We have an imam of a mosque who, in the Eid sermon, declared that zakat al-fitr may be given in cash. What is your opinion on this? Please inform us. May Allah reward you with the best reward.
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The questioner : The question is: We have an imam of a mosque who, in the Eid sermon, declared that zakat al-fitr may be given in cash. What is your opinion on this? Please inform us. May Allah reward you with the best reward.
The Shaykh : We referred to the answer to the question before this one.
The questioner : Yes.
The Shaykh : To the answer of this issue.
The questioner : Yes.
The Shaykh : That it is not permissible to give the fitrah in cash, because the Shari'ah only prescribed an obligatory sa' of food from various types, differing in kind and value, such as barley, raisins, dates, and dried milk. If the intention had been the value, it would have been specified by one of these types.
The questioner : Yes.
The Shaykh : Or what is equivalent to it in other types, not that it be estimated by a specific sa'. Moreover, paying it in coins gives it the appearance of concealment, whereas if it is given in food, it is more well-known and public. Everyone in the household knows it, and everyone in the household is aware of it. It is also visible, and every person takes it and delivers it to the poor in a clear and distinct manner. However, if it is given in coins, it becomes hidden, and the one who pays it might forget it, or might estimate it at less than the value, and it is subject to many calamities. For this reason, we see that the opinion permitting the payment of cash for the fitrah is a weak opinion, and the correct view is that it is not permissible to pay it except from what the Shari'ah has prescribed.
The questioner : Yes.
The Shaykh : From food.
The Shaykh : We referred to the answer to the question before this one.
The questioner : Yes.
The Shaykh : To the answer of this issue.
The questioner : Yes.
The Shaykh : That it is not permissible to give the fitrah in cash, because the Shari'ah only prescribed an obligatory sa' of food from various types, differing in kind and value, such as barley, raisins, dates, and dried milk. If the intention had been the value, it would have been specified by one of these types.
The questioner : Yes.
The Shaykh : Or what is equivalent to it in other types, not that it be estimated by a specific sa'. Moreover, paying it in coins gives it the appearance of concealment, whereas if it is given in food, it is more well-known and public. Everyone in the household knows it, and everyone in the household is aware of it. It is also visible, and every person takes it and delivers it to the poor in a clear and distinct manner. However, if it is given in coins, it becomes hidden, and the one who pays it might forget it, or might estimate it at less than the value, and it is subject to many calamities. For this reason, we see that the opinion permitting the payment of cash for the fitrah is a weak opinion, and the correct view is that it is not permissible to pay it except from what the Shari'ah has prescribed.
The questioner : Yes.
The Shaykh : From food.