The ruling on one who does not pay zakat al-fitr until during the Eid sermon

Q: What is the ruling on one who does not pay zakat al-fitr until during the sermon after the Eid prayer, and this is because he forgot?

A: Paying zakat al-fitr before the prayer is obligatory. If one forgets to do so, he owes nothing other than paying it afterwards; because it is an obligation, he has to pay it whenever he remembers it. It is not permissible for anyone to intentionally delay it until after the Eid prayer, according to the stronger of the two opinions of the scholars; because the Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings be upon him) ordered the Muslims to pay it before the Eid prayer.