Salamualaykum, Money is very much allowed in our present day than food or grains because of the purpose why 7akatul fitr is performed, which is to make others or the needy happy on the day of eid celebration.
If rice or other grains are being given to the needy, how do you want them to be happy when there is no money to buy pepper, meat or fish, drinks, or even gas for their stove or are they expected to eat the uncooked grains?
I believe that a person who is given money from zakatul fitr can use it to take his family to an eatery even if all he could afford is meat pie n water. I know he will be happier than a person with grain n no cash to prepare it with.

Iype:
Salamualaykum, Money is very much allowed in our present day than food or grains because of the purpose why 7akatul fitr is performed, which is to make others or the needy happy on the day of eid celebration.
If rice or other grains are being given to the needy, how do you want them to be happy when there is no money to buy pepper, meat or fish, drinks, or even gas for their stove or are they expected to eat the uncooked grains?
I believe that a person who is given money from zakatul fitr can use it to take his family to an eatery even if all he could afford is meat pie n water. I know he will be happier than a person with grain n no cash to prepare it with.

Barakallahu fii. This is the main objective of zakatul fitr, to make even the poor Muslims happy even during EID!

A poor person can't do anything with a sa'a of corn millet, barley, wheat or maize! May Allah increase our level of understanding!

shawl:


I believe @domack99 is stating the position of Al Imam Abu Hanifa, ra, a verified true scholar whose position cannot be dismissed as mere human logic. Moreover, no narrations have prohibited the use of money. We should also realize that we should not make hard for ourselves what Allah or his messenger, saw, has not made difficult for us.

The only authority whose position cannot be dismissed is the Prophet (SAW). Even the Imams of the 4 madhhabs did admit that they are not infallible. And they all stated that if an authentic prophetic tradition contradicts their positions, their positions should be discarded.

Yes, there are no narrations prohibiting the use of money, but there are narrations warning us from doing things in ways contrary to how the Prophet did them.

If your argument were to be casted into every issue, there will be serious problems. Is there any narration that prohibits observing 6 rakahs for solatu zuhr instead of 4? Is there any narration that prohibits fasting for 40 days instead of 30? The answer is NO. But does the absence of express prohibitions amount to freedom to do anything we like? NO!

If the rich companions like AbdurRahman ibn Awf and Abubakr all complied by using food despite having money, then that speaks volumes.

The truth is only giving food is supported by clear evidence. There is no safer option than doing exactly what the Prophet exemplified.

Wallaahu a'lam.

Iype:
Salamualaykum, Money is very much allowed in our present day than food or grains because of the purpose why 7akatul fitr is performed, which is to make others or the needy happy on the day of eid celebration.
If rice or other grains are being given to the needy, how do you want them to be happy when there is no money to buy pepper, meat or fish, drinks, or even gas for their stove or are they expected to eat the uncooked grains?
I believe that a person who is given money from zakatul fitr can use it to take his family to an eatery even if all he could afford is meat pie n water. I know he will be happier than a person with grain n no cash to prepare it with.

Brother, bear in mind that there was money during the time of the Prophet. And there were companions who had problems that only money could solve, but yet, the Prophet enjoined giving out food for zakah. Lets avoid holding positions that cannot be traced to our model (the Prophet) .

webincomeplus:

Brother, bear in mind that there was money during the time of the Prophet. And there were companions who had problems that only money could solve, but yet, the Prophet enjoined giving out food for zakah. Lets avoid holding positions that cannot be traced to our model (the Prophet) .

seconded

webincomeplus:

Brother, bear in mind that there was money during the time of the Prophet. And there were companions who had problems that only money could solve, but yet, the Prophet enjoined giving out food for zakah. Lets avoid holding positions that cannot be traced to our model (the Prophet) .

Salam alykun, we are enjoined to give out food items but do not condemn those that see money as a better option in present day nigeria. Remember u shall be judge according to ur intentions.
If we are to be 100% adherence, then we should rule out food like rice because its neva in record dt the Holy Prophet gave out rice as zakat ul fitri. Then it was dates, millet etal dt was used but giving the present day nigeria it is generally agreed that rice is the most common stable food. In addition, dates needs no further processing as it can in addition to other grains back then can easily be converted to cash (why do u think the prophet enjoined us to give out zakat ul fitri before the eid prayer). Knowing the basic idea behind giving out zakat ul fitri, lets put ourselves in the position of the needy, who would u appreciate the more between a man who give u grain of rice (when u have neither kerosine nor stew to cook it with) and someone who give u some amount of money with which u can prepare or buy something to eat.
Mind u the essence of zakat ul fitri is to make the less privilege happy during the festive period.
Allahu allam.

webincomeplus:

The only authority whose position cannot be dismissed is the Prophet (SAW). Even the Imams of the 4 madhhabs did admit that they are not infallible. And they all stated that if an authentic prophetic tradition contradicts their positions, their positions should be discarded.

And in the absence of that authentic prophetic tradition that lays bare the rule, what do you do?

webincomeplus:

Yes, there are no narrations prohibiting the use of money, but there are narrations warning us from doing things in ways contrary to how the Prophet did them.

That is if the prophet, saw, had said "only use food".

webincomeplus:

If your argument were to be casted into every issue, there will be serious problems. Is there any narration that prohibits observing 6 rakahs for solatu zuhr instead of 4? Is there any narration that prohibits fasting for 40 days instead of 30? The answer is NO. But does the absence of express prohibitions amount to freedom to do anything we like? NO!

It comes in a hadith, pray as you see me pray. He, saw, has never been seen to observe other than two or four rakats zuhr as the situation may demand.
It comes in another hadith, fasting begins upon the sighting of the moon and ends upon the sighting of the next moon but do not exceed the one month period in case you do not sight the next moon early enough.

shawl:

And in the absence of that authentic prophetic tradition that lays bare the rule, what do you do?

You simply stick to what the Prophet did and stay away from what he never did.

blapo:
Where is a good place one can buy Muudu in Lagos?

Salam alaykum if you can't get mudu you can use tin of milk. 14 tins of milk is equivalents to 4 mudu for one head

the issue of money payment is simple . for example if you determine to use rice as your zakatul fitr payment then you will just calculate the money equivalent of four much for one head then you can give this amount of money to the needy. note that 4 mudus is equivalent to 14 tins of milk therefore just get the amount of 14 time of rice or maize or garri or beans etc and give it out per head or add many heads together.

shawl:

And in the absence of that authentic prophetic tradition that lays bare the rule, what do you do?


That is if the prophet, saw, had said "only use food".


It comes in a hadith, pray as you see me pray. He, saw, has never been seen to observe other than two or four rakats zuhr as the situation may demand.
It comes in another hadith, fasting begins upon the sighting of the moon and ends upon the sighting of the next moon but do not exceed the one month period in case you do not sight the next moon early enough.

This is one of the sign of hypocracy, the noble Prophet(saw) said " what is haram is clear and what is halal is clear and between them is a word of doubt u guys should stay out of doubt

blapo:
Where is a good place one can buy Muudu in Lagos?

one Derica is equivalent to one mudu Allahu waalam

Truth is, none of the several hadeeths on zakatul fitr indicated that the Prophet sanctioned giving money instead of food. Neither did any of his companions do that--not even the very rich ones among them. And that's despite the fact that money was available during the Prophet's time, and there were companions who had problems that only money could solve.

To clear the whole thing, the Prophet warned to to stay away from doubtful matters and hold on to what is not doubtful. Since there is no controversy whatsoever over giving out food, it's better we all stick with that rather than give out money (which has no basis and is a subject of controversy).

But I'd like to remind my brothers and sisters that this deen has been perfected and made complete by Allaah (SWT). And whatever was not part of the religion during the time of the Prophet can never become a part of the religion during our own time.

May Allaah continue to keep us steadfast upon His path, make us better Muslims, and grant us success in both worlds (Aameen).

webincomeplus:

You simply stick to what the Prophet did and stay away from what he never did.

The prophet himself, saw, is aware that this position of yours will not be feasible in all nuances. Remember the hadith of Muadh bin Jabal, ra.

Mu'adh ibn Jabal states that when the Prophet (PBUH) sent him to Yemen, he asked:

"what will you do if a matter is referred to you for judgement?" Mu'adh said: "I will judge according to the Book of Allah." The Prophet asked: "what if you find no solution in the Book of Allah?" Mu'adh said: "Then I will judge by the Sunnah of the Prophet." The Prophet asked: "And what if you do not find it in the Sunnah of the Prophet?" Mu'adh said: "Then I will make Ijtihad to formulate my own judgement." The Prophet patted Mu'adh's chest and said "Praise be to Allah who has guided the messenger of His Prophet to that which pleases Him and His Prophet."[Abu Daud]

olayinka63:
the issue of money payment is simple . for example if you determine to use rice as your zakatul fitr payment then you will just calculate the money equivalent of four much for one head then you can give this amount of money to the needy. note that 4 mudus is equivalent to 14 tins of milk therefore just get the amount of 14 time of rice or maize or garri or beans etc and give it out per head or add many heads together.

It's not about what is simple. It's about what the Prophet and his companions exemplified. They are our models, whom Allaah enjoined us to follow if we want to land in the same destination (paradise) as they did.

shawl:


The prophet himself, saw, is aware that this position of yours will not be feasible in all nuances. Remember the hadith of Muadh bin Jabal, ra.

Mu'adh ibn Jabal states that when the Prophet (PBUH) sent him to Yemen, he asked:

"what will you do if a matter is referred to you for judgement?" Mu'adh said: "I will judge according to the Book of Allah." The Prophet asked: "what if you find no solution in the Book of Allah?" Mu'adh said: "Then I will judge by the Sunnah of the Prophet." The Prophet asked: "And what if you do not find it in the Sunnah of the Prophet?" Mu'adh said: "Then I will make Ijtihad to formulate my own judgement." The Prophet patted Mu'adh's chest and said "Praise be to Allah who has guided the messenger of His Prophet to that which pleases Him and His Prophet."[Abu Daud]

The hadeeth you quoted even faults your position rather than support it. Mu'adh said he will resort to ijtihad ONLY AFTER there is no solution in the book of Allaah and in the Sunnah of the Prophet (SAW). In this case of zakatul fitr, the sunnah has already made things clear, and that knocks off the need for formulating judgement based on ijtihaad.

On point... jazakumllahi.

webincomeplus:


The hadeeth you quoted even faults your position rather than support it. Mu'adh said he will resort to ijtihad ONLY AFTER there is no solution in the book of Allaah and in the Sunnah of the Prophet (SAW). In this case of zakatul fitr, the sunnah has already made things clear, and that knocks off the need for formulating judgement based on ijtihaad.

I truly appreciate ur consistency but realistically how do u think i will feel or how happy will i be with my family if all we could get as zakat ul fitri is four modus of millet? Kindly answer objectively.
With that act the donor has fulfil his obligations and but was the purpose of intent meet?

webincomeplus:


The hadeeth you quoted even faults your position rather than support it. Mu'adh said he will resort to ijtihad ONLY AFTER there is no solution in the book of Allaah and in the Sunnah of the Prophet (SAW). In this case of zakatul fitr, the sunnah has already made things clear, and that knocks off the need for formulating judgement based on ijtihaad.

The ahadith on zakatul fitr have made clear its obligation and also the substituting alternatives of what can be used. It is this latter part that you are trying hard to avoid.

Details tomorrow, inshaAllah.

ligalila:
What should one do, if the Mudd isn't readily available?

that was why I said "one should try to get one", because I know it is not readily available for sale in the southwest (I really don't know why). . .it is however available in the north, where i got mine, sold between 50 and 100 naira, I can't recall the exact amount now.

I will try to get the equivalent "milk cup" to one mudd in the morning (today) in sha Allaah, perhaps you can make do with that while you try to get a real mudd.
may Allaah accept our 'ibaadat

SULBELL:

Salam alykun, we are enjoined to give out food items but do not condemn those that see money as a better option in present day nigeria. Remember u shall be judge according to ur intentions.
If we are to be 100% adherence, then we should rule out food like rice because its neva in record dt the Holy Prophet gave out rice as zakat ul fitri. Then it was dates, millet etal dt was used but giving the present day nigeria it is generally agreed that rice is the most common stable food. In addition, dates needs no further processing as it can in addition to other grains back then can easily be converted to cash (why do u think the prophet enjoined us to give out zakat ul fitri before the eid prayer). Knowing the basic idea behind giving out zakat ul fitri, lets put ourselves in the position of the needy, who would u appreciate the more between a man who give u grain of rice (when u have neither kerosine nor stew to cook it with) and someone who give u some amount of money with which u can prepare or buy something to eat.
Mind u the essence of zakat ul fitri is to make the less privilege happy during the festive period.
Allahu allam.

salaam,
it (zakatul fitr) is an act of 'ibaada prescribed for us, and we have to do it the way it was prescribed.

it is NOT expected of us to be "APPRECIATED" by the receiver of the food item, I believe we should on the other hand be grateful to Allaah that we could find someone to give to and who accepts it.

I don't think it is out of place (considering our society and the argument of inability to prepare and consume the received food item by the receiver) that the giver adds money (if he can afford and willing) for other ingredients AFTER giving the prescribed quantity as recommended by our Holy Nabiyy (sola Llaahu 'alaehi wa Salaam), the added money of course will just be SODAQA after the prescribed ZAKATUL FITR. .

Allaahu a'alam

alsudaes1:


that was why I said "one should try to get one", because I know it is not readily available for sale in the southwest (I really don't know why). . .it is however available in the north, where i got mine, sold between 50 and 100 naira, I can't recall the exact amount now.

I will try to get the equivalent "milk cup" to one mudd in the morning (today) in sha Allaah, perhaps you can make do with that while you try to get a real mudd.
may Allaah accept our 'ibaadat

Amin

webincomeplus:

The hadeeth you quoted even faults your position rather than support it. Mu'adh said he will resort to ijtihad ONLY AFTER there is no solution in the book of Allaah and in the Sunnah of the Prophet (SAW). In this case of zakatul fitr, the sunnah has already made things clear, and that knocks off the need for formulating judgement based on ijtihaad.

I disagree with you that it can be clearly established from the quoted hadith that whether or not money can be used has been answered. The quoted hadith does not indicate this, read again:

The Companion of the Prophet, Abu Sa`eed al-Khudree, radi Allahu 'anhu, said, "In the Prophet's time, we used to give it (Zakatal-Fitr) as a sa` of food, dried dates, barley, raisins or dried cheese".

Moreover, some of the items listed in this narration were not attributed to the prophet, saw, namely: food, raisin or dried cheese. It only showed what the people would offer. In fact, these additional items: food, raisin or dried cheese are not mentioned in the hadith of Ibn Umar, rad, which is the hadith that is attributed to the holy prophet, saw, and that hadith only mentioned dates and barely.

Therefore, it can be seen that the sahaba i kiram, rad, already used substitute items. So if we were to stick with your rigidity, we only could offer dried dates or barely for zakatul fitr, period. But no. The sahaba, rad, already understood that the instruction of the prophet, saw, only served to establish the unit of measurement which is why they would use equivalent items such as (other) food (items), raisin or dried cheese. Moreover, when hazrat Muawiya became the caliph and by which time wheat had become available, he unitized the measurement of wheat against dates and the sahaba, rad, accepted it as well (sahih muslim).

Once you understand this concept of unitizing the measurement, then it becomes easy to extrapolate. And this is not something of today. It is well practiced by salafus salihin. It is reported that this practice of using money has been permitted since the time of Umar II. That is a very early tabi period. They are the successor to the sahaba, rad. And they inherited this understanding from them (that it can be unitized to other items of value), musannaf.

webincomeplus:

Brother, bear in mind that there was money during the time of the Prophet. And there were companions who had problems that only money could solve, but yet, the Prophet enjoined giving out food for zakah.

But common trades were done majorly by barter. Items such as dates, and barely were commonly used. This could well inform the reason for the Prophet, saw, setting them as unit of measurement.

I dont know what you mean by And there were companions who had problems that only money could solve as if the monetary value of zakatul fitr could meet people's capital demands. I mean it is a very small value in terms of money, not up to one thousand naira of today. What kind of problem could that be that the prayer of the prophet, saw, would not turn around except if the sahaba concerned chose to take it faithfully. I simply don't understand that reasoning.

SULBELL:

I truly appreciate ur consistency but realistically how do u think i will feel or how happy will i be with my family if all we could get as zakat ul fitri is four modus of millet? Kindly answer objectively.
With that act the donor has fulfil his obligations and but was the purpose of intent meet?

May Allaah increase you upon good, my brother. The truth is, zakaatul fitr is an act of ibaadah, which must only be done as the Prophet enjoined.

We are on no position to think on behalf of the recipient. A truly poor person will appreciate having garri rather than have nothing at all. And a truly poor person will be happy each time he remembers that he has some food in store, even if he hasn't been able to cook it. You might not appreciate this if you haven't mingled with people who are really, really poor. I've seen where a group of destitutes and beggars were fighting seriously over a bowl of table salt. Imagine that!

Like someone rightly commented, ours is to obey Allaah and expect our reward from him. This act isn't one that we should expect to be appreciated by the recipient. Whatever the recipient does with the food is his or her own choice.

And if you're so much concerned about the welfare of the recipient, you can get additional rewards by adding some money to the food items after giving them out. You'll be rewarded for that too, insha Allaah, for giving sadaqah. But food is the basic thing to be given out.

Wallaahu a'lam.

shawl:


I disagree with you that it can be clearly established from the quoted hadith that whether or not money can be used has been answered. The quoted hadith does not indicate this, read again:

The Companion of the Prophet, Abu Sa`eed al-Khudree, radi Allahu 'anhu, said, "In the Prophet's time, we used to give it (Zakatal-Fitr) as a sa` of food, dried dates, barley, raisins or dried cheese".

Moreover, some of the items listed in this narration were not attributed to the prophet, saw, namely: food, raisin or dried cheese. It only showed what the people would offer. In fact, these additional items: food, raisin or dried cheese are not mentioned in the hadith of Ibn Umar, rad, which is the hadith that is attributed to the holy prophet, saw, and that hadith only mentioned dates and barely.

Therefore, it can be seen that the sahaba i kiram, rad, already used substitute items. So if we were to stick with your rigidity, we only could offer dried dates or barely for zakatul fitr, period. But no. The sahaba, rad, already understood that the instruction of the prophet, saw, only served to establish the unit of measurement which is why they would use equivalent items such as (other) food (items), raisin or dried cheese. Moreover, when hazrat Muawiya became the caliph and by which time wheat had become available, he unitized the measurement of wheat against dates and the sahaba, rad, accepted it as well (sahih muslim).

Once you understand this concept of unitizing the measurement, then it becomes easy to extrapolate. And this is not something of today. It is well practiced by salafus salihin. It is reported that this practice of using money has been permitted since the time of Umar II. That is a very early tabi period. They are the successor to the sahaba, rad. And they inherited this understanding from them (that it can be unitized to other items of value), musannaf.

Well, whether you agree or disagree is your choice, and I have no control over that. Mine is to show you what the truth is.

From the same hadeeth you quoted, you can see that all the different items mentioned by the companions were food items. It simply implies that ONLY food items are allowed for zakaatul fitr.

You said some of the items listed were not attributed to the Prophet (SAW). This statement of yours is just amazing. Let me start with the following hadeeth:

Narrated ibn Umar (RAA): Allah's Messenger (SAW) enjoined the payment of one Sa' of dates or one Sa' of barley as Zakaatul fitr on every Muslim--slave or free, male or female--and he ordered that it be paid before the people went out to observe the 'eid prayer.

Truly, this hadeeth doesn't contain foods like raisins, or dried cheese. But in the first hadeeth you quoted, the companions said, "In the Prophet's time, we used to give..." This simply means the companions gave other foods aside dates and barley, but they never went beyond food items (as there's nothing to indicate that). Secondly, the Prophet must have sanctioned the other foods since it was done while he was still alive. We all know that hadeeth is defined as not only the sayings and deeds, but also the silent approvals of Prophet Muhammad. For him not to have prohibited the other foods, that means it's allowed to give them. But he never sanctioned giving out money. So, the substitute items used by the companions were sanctioned by the Prophet and they were all food items.

The fact that the companions gave out other foods available aside dates and barley forms the basis of the ruling that any staple food available in one's locality can be given as zakatul fitr. That's why rice, beans, etc. will be valid as foods to be given out here in Nigeria.

If you have any hadeeth by a companion that indicates that money or items other than food were given out, kindly cite it here.

Your statement, "If we were to stick by your rigidity" only shows that you've formed your own mindset about me. But that's just fine an dandy. The rigidity of the pioneers of this deen is the reason why this deen has remained preserved to date. The rigidity lacked by the Christians is the reason why they have been long lost. So, if you have problems with being rigid upon the path of the Prophet and his companions, go and know that it's the only thing worth being rigid about.

I believe there's enough clear evidence for whoever wants to take heed and avoid the doubtful. Again, you'll never find anyone fault giving out food. If there's "controversy" over giving out money, giving out food remains the safest option.

May Allaah increase us all upon goodness and steadfastness on His path.

shawl:

But common trades were done majorly by barter. Items such as dates, and barely were commonly used.

Yes, and clothing was among the items commonly traded by barter at the time. Yet, the Prophet didn't sanction giving out clothing instead of food. And none of his companions did the same.

shawl:
This could well inform the reason for the Prophet, saw, setting them as unit of measurement.

The word "could" in your statements depicts possibility/uncertainty as the Prophet never revealed a reason for enjoining giving out food rather than other items. Islamic rulings aren't deduced from uncertainty. That's why it's best for Muslims to stick with what is certain, i.e. giving out food.

If we are to be 100% adherence, then we should rule out food like rice because its neva in record dt the Holy Prophet gave out rice as zakat ul fitri.

The Prophet only mentioned dates and barley. But the companions extended that to resins, cheese, and other foods--to which the Prophet never objected. Note that the companions didn't extend their options beyond food. And that's why scholars have ruled that the staple foods available in one's locality (rice, beans, etc. in Nigeria's case) should be given.

In addition, dates needs no further processing as it can in addition to other grains back then can easily be converted to cash (why do u think the prophet enjoined us to give out zakat ul fitri before the eid prayer).

If conversion to money were the end goal, then the Prophet would have expressly permitted cash (which would have been more direct). The Prophet would never teach an indirect thing, when a more direct or easier option were available.

And yes, dates need no further processing, barley (which was expressly mentioned by the Prophet) needs further processing before it can be consumed. So, whether the foods needs processing or not is not the basis for the ruling.

Knowing the basic idea behind giving out zakat ul fitri, lets put ourselves in the position of the needy, who would u appreciate the more between a man who give u grain of rice (when u have neither kerosine nor stew to cook it with) and someone who give u some amount of money with which u can prepare or buy something to eat.

That's why you can always go the extra mile by giving the recipient money for kerosene and stew (that's not obligatory, though). You'll get additional rewards that way, insha Allaah.

Mind u the essence of zakat ul fitri is to make the less privilege happy during the festive period.

The essence of zakaatul fitr is stated in the following hadeeth:

On the authority of ibn 'Abbaas (RAA): The Messenger of Allaah enjoined zakaatul fitr so as to purify the fast from vain talk (and other evils committed while fasting), and to feed the poor....

So, it's not just about the recipient. It's about both donor and recipient. And "to feed the poor" means to give them what to eat. If you give money, there are a thousand and one other things they can do with it rather than eat (paying debts, etc.) The goal isn't to enrich or assist in paying debts, but to give the poor something to eat.

Allaah himself already knows that the poor need money, and that's why Zakaatul maal has been made obligatory upon the rich to be given to the poor. That one has enriching poor Muslims as its end goal. So, Allaah has perfectly arranged everything, and we should be careful not to distort things with our own intellect. We can never be wiser than the one who created our intellects in the first place.

May Allaah grant us success in both worlds.

We can go on and on concerning if Money is a valid means for Zakat Fitr or not. One thing i have realized is that it seems people find it difficult in determining the poor Muslims to give this food stuff to or find it difficult to get to where the poor muslims are e.g IDPs camps and co.

I know people we say there are lots of Muslim beggars out there but these are professional beggars, begging is what they do for living, people that do not earn up to them are even paying Zakat.

My believe is, it is okay to contribute equivalent money to organization that can now convert it to food stuff as allowed and donate to the actual poor Muslims of the society before Eid fitr prayer

babs01:


Praise be to Allaah.
It was proven from the Messenger of
Allaah (peace and blessings of Allaah
be upon him) that he enjoined zakaat
al-fitr on the Muslims, one saa’ of
dates or one saa’ of barley, and he
commanded that it be given before
the people went out to the (Eid)
prayer. In al-Saheehayn it is narrated
that Abu Sa’eed al-Khudri (may Allaah
be pleased with him) said: At the time
of the Prophet (peace and blessings
of Allaah be upon him) we used to give
one saa’ of food, or one saa’ of dates,
or one saa’ of barley, or one saa’ of
raisins.
Some of the scholars have interpreted
“food” (ta’aam) in this hadeeth as
referring to wheat; others interpreted
it as meaning the staple food of the
country, whatever it is, whether it is
wheat, corn, pearl millet or whatever.
This is the correct view, because
zakaah is a help from the rich to the
poor, and the Muslim does not have to
help with anything other than the
staple food of his country.
Undoubtedly rice is the staple food in
the land of the Two Holy Sanctuaries
(Saudi Arabia) and it is a good and
valuable food; it is better than the
barley that is mentioned in the text.
Hence it is known that there is
nothing wrong with giving rice as
zakaat al-fitr.
What must be given is a saa’ of any
kind of staple food, i.e., a saa’ of the
Prophet (peace and blessings of
Allaah be upon him), which is four
complete scoops as scooped up with
two hands, according to al-Qaamoos
etc. In modern weights this is
equivalent to approximately three
kilograms. If a Muslim gives a kilo of
rice or some other staple food of his
country, that is sufficient even if it is
not one of the types mentioned in the
hadeeth, according to the more
correct of the two scholarly opinions.
There is nothing wrong with giving the
equivalent amount by weight, which is
approximately three kilograms.
Zakaat al-fitr must be given on behalf
of all Muslims, young and old, male
and female, free and slave. With
regard to a foetus, it is not obligatory
to give it on his behalf according to
scholarly consensus, but it is
mustahabb, because ‘Uthmaan (may
Allaah be pleased with him) did that.
It is also obligatory to give it before
the Eid prayer, and it is not
permissible to delay it until after the
Eid prayer. There is nothing wrong
with giving it one or two days before
the Eid. Hence it is known that the
earliest time when it may be given,
according to the more correct of the
two scholarly views, is the night of
the 28th of Ramadaan, because the
month may be twenty-nine or thirty
days. The companions of the
Messenger of Allaah (peace and
blessings of Allaah be upon him) used
to give it one or two days before Eid.
Those to whom it must be given are
the poor and needy. It was proven that
Ibn ‘Abbaas (may Allaah be pleased
with him) said: The Messenger of
Allaah (peace and blessings of Allaah
be upon him) enjoined zakaat al-fitr
as a purification for the fasting
person from idle and obscene speech,
and to feed the poor. Whoever gives it
before the prayer, it is zakaat al-fitr,
and whoever gives it after the prayer,
it is ordinary charity. This was
narrated by Abu Dawood and classed
as hasan by al-Albaani in Saheeh Abi
Dawood.
It is not permissible to pay the value
in money, according to the majority of
scholars; this view has the stronger
evidence. Rather it must be given in
the form of food, as the Prophet
(peace and blessings of Allaah be
upon him) and his companions (may
Allaah be pleased with them) did. This
is also the view of the majority of the
ummah. We ask Allaah to help us and
all the Muslims to understand His
religion properly and adhere to it
steadfastly, and to guide us, for He is
the Most Generous, Most Kind.
Majmoo’ Fataawa al-Shaykh Ibn Baaz,
14/200.
This is the estimation of Shaykh Ibn
Baaz (may Allaah have mercy on him)
, who reckoned the weight of zakaat
al-fitr as being approximately three
kilograms.
This was also the estimate of the
scholars of the Standing Committee
(9/371).
Shaykh Ibn ‘Uthaymeen (may Allah
have mercy on him) estimated it in
grams as being 2100 grams, as it
says in Fataawa al-Zakaah , p.
274-276.
This discrepancy occurred because a
saa’ is a measure of volume, not
weight.
The scholars worked it out by weight
so that it would be easier to work out.
It is well known that the weight of
grains varies; some are light and
some are heavy, and some are in
between. In fact the weight of a saa’
of the same kind of grain may vary,
and new may weigh more than old.
Hence if people err on the side of
caution and give more, that will be
better.
See al-Mughni , 4/168, where it
mentions something similar about
working out the nisaab of crops by
weight.
And Allaah knows best.

thanks for your post and if may ask, what are are the factors/conditions that necessitates one to give zakat AL-fitr to the poor?

My believe is, it is okay to contribute equivalent money to organization that can now convert it to food stuff as allowed and donate to the actual poor Muslims of the society before Eid fitr prayer

Yes, that's fine (just as its allowed to pay for your sacrificial ram during hajj). But you must be absolutely sure that the money will used to buy food and distributed to the poor before the eid prayer. That's the condition binding it. If you're not sure whether the money will be used solely for that purpose, then it's better to take the pain to do it yourself. This is about your relationship with Allaah and your hereafter. May Allaah ease our affairs.

Nafizzey:
thanks for your post and if may ask, what are are the factors/conditions that necessitates one to give zakat AL-fitr to the poor?

what are are the factors/conditions that necessitates it during the time of the Prophet?, It was proven that
Ibn ‘Abbaas (may Allaah be pleased
with him) said: The Messenger of
Allaah (peace and blessings of Allaah
be upon him) enjoined zakaat al-fitr
as a purification for the fasting
person from idle and obscene speech,
and to feed the poor.