The correct approach to distributing Zakaatul-Fitr

Fitra | Fitrana | Zakat Fitr | Zakatul Fitr | Zakaatul-Fitr | زكاة الفطر

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Question: [Regarding] extracting the Zakaatul-Fitr [for distribution] as money, I ask that you clarify the ruling regarding that?

Response: My brother, it is not sufficient to extract it [for distribution] as money.

The Prophet ﷺ instructed that it be extracted [for distribution] from food from the staple food of the land, and instructed it’s amount to be a saa’; a saa’ of cheese, [or] a saa’ of dates, [or] a saa’ of wheat, [or] a saa’ of barley, [or] a saa’ of raisins.

[As for] money [then it] was available at the time of the Prophet ﷺ – but he did not instruct [us] with it.

[Instead] he instructed us with extracting the Sadaqatul-Fitr [for distribution] from food.


Translator’s note: One saa’ is equal to four mudd, and one mudd is equal to the amount held by cupping the two hands together. It is a measure by volume and not by weight.

Translation originally published on 4 April, 2004.

Graduate of the Islaamic University of Madeenah, having completed the Arabic Language programme at the Institute of Arabic Language before progressing to the Faculty of Sharee'ah, from which he graduated in 2004. He currently resides in Birmingham, UK.