Can I Give Money Instead of Food For Zakat Al-Fitr?

Question: What is the ruling on giving money for Zakat Al-Fitr because there is someone who says that it is permissible?

Answer: It is not unknown to any Muslim that the most important pillar of the upright religion of Islam is the testimony that none has the right to be worshipped in truth except Allaah and Muhammad (Sallallaahu alayhi wassallam) is the Messenger of Allaah. The testimony that none has the right to be worshipped in truth except Allaah necessitates that none should be worshipped but Allaah alone. The testimony that Muhammad (Sallallaahu alayhi wassallam) is the Messenger of Allaah necessitates that Allaah not be worshipped except with what the Messenger of Allaah (Sallallaahu alayhi wassallam) sanctioned.

Zakat Al-Fitr is an act of worship according to the consensus of the Muslims, and the fundamental principle regarding acts of worship is that they are Tawqeef (i.e., limited to whatever there is a text for). Therefore, it is not permissible for anyone to seek to worship Allaah with any act of worship except with what is taken from the wise person who was the source of Islamic legislation (i.e., the Prophet Muhammad (Sallallaahu alayhi wassallam)). He is the one for whom His Lord, Blessed is He, the Most High, said:

“And he (Muhammad (Sallallaahu alayhi wassallam)) does not speak from (his own) desire. It is only a revelation that is revealed (to him).” [Surah An-Najm, Verses 3-4]

And he (Sallallaahu alayhi wassallam) said concerning that:

“Whoever introduces into this matter of ours that which is not of it, then it is rejected.” [Sahih Al-Bukhari no.2697]

And he (Sallallaahu alayhi wassallam) said:

“Whoever does a deed that is not from our matter, then it is rejected.” [Sahih Muslim, no.1718]

He (Sallallaahu alayhi wassallam) legislated Zakat Al-Fitr by that which is confirmed from him in the authentic Hadiths as a Sa’ of food (i.e., meaning) a Sa’ of dried dates or a Sa’ of barley or a Sa’ of rasins or a Sa’ of cottage cheese. Indeed Al-Bukhari and Muslim recorded from ‘Abdullah bin ‘Umar (Allaah be pleased with him) that he said:

“The Messenger of Allaah (Sallallaahu alayhi wassallam) obligated Zakat Al-Fitr as a Sa’ of dried dates or a Sa’ of barley upon the slave and the free man, the male and the female, and the child and the adult among the Muslims. He commanded that it be given before the people come out to the prayer.”

They (Al-Bukhari and Muslim) also both recorded from Abu Sa’id that he said:

“We used to give it (Zakat Al-Fitr) in the time of the Prophet (Sallallaahu alayhi wassallam) as a Sa’ of food or (i.e., meaning) of Sa’ of dried dates or a Sa’ of barley or a Sa’ of rasins.”

In another narration he (Sallallaahu alayhi wassallam) said: “And a Sa’ of cottage cheese.”

Hence, this is the Sunnah of Muhammad (Sallallaahu alayhi wassallam) regarding Zakat Al-Fitr. It is known that during the time of the legislating – and this giving – of Zakat Al-Fitr, dinars and dirhams (i.e., gold and silver coins) existed – especially in Al-Madinah – among the Muslims. These were the two leading forms of currency at that time and yet he (the Prophet (Sallallaahu alayhi wassallam)) did not mention them in regards to Zakat Al-Fitr. If either of them were acceptable for Zakat Al-Fitr, he would have clarified that, as it is not permissible to delay explanation past the time of need. If this explanation had occurred, the Companions would have acted upon it (i.e., by giving money).

What has been related concerning the Zakah of the livestock animal, of the known permission to give another animal in place of what is to be given, this is conditional upon that which is obligatory to give not being available. This allowance is obligatory to give not being available. This allowance is specifically for that which it has been narrated concerning. As of worship is At-Tawqeef. We do not know of anyone of the Prophets Companions giving money for Zakat Al-Fitr, and they were the most knowledgeable people of his Sunnah and the most devout people in following it. If anything like this had occurred among them, it would have been reported just as other things were reported from their statements and deeds that were related to the matters of Islamic legislation. Indeed Allaah, glory is unto Him, the Most High, said:

“Verily there is an excellent example for you all in the Messenger of Allaah (Muhammad).” [Surah Al-Ahzab, Verse 21]

And He, the Mighty and Majestic, said:

“And the first foremost (to believe) from the Muhajirun (immigrants to Al-Madinah) and the Ansar (the citizens of Al-Madinah who helped the Muhajirun) and those who followed them in goodness, Allaah is pleased with them and they are pleased with Him. And He has prepared for them Gardens with rivers flowing beneath them. They will abide therein forever. That is the supreme success.” [Surah At-Tawbah, Verse 100]

From what we have mentioned, it becomes clear to the person who follows the truth that giving money for Zakat Al-Fitr is not permissible and it does not suffice whoever gives it because he is opposing what has been mentioned of the legislative evidences. I ask Allaah to help us and the rest of the Muslims to understand His religion, be firm upon it and beware of everything that opposes His Law. Verily, He is Most Generous, Most Noble. May Allaah send blessings upon our Prophet Muhammad, his family and his Companions.

Shaykh ‘Abdul Azeez bin Baz (rahimahullaah)

Darussalam Fatawa Islamiyyah, Volume 3, Page 206-209