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Reference SA-0033
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Majmu' Fatawa Ibn Baz, vol. 14, p. 32
It is not permissible to give Zakat al-Fitr in cash — it must be from staple food (sa'a of dates, barley, raisins, wheat, or rice). The Prophet (ﷺ) and his Companions gave it in food, and there is no authentic narration of any of them giving it in cash, even though dirhams existed.
Evidence
Hadith
[Sahih [al-Bukhari 1503](/hadith/bukhari/1503)](/hadith/bukhari/1503) — "The Prophet (ﷺ) made Zakat al-Fitr obligatory: a sa'a of dates, or a sa'a of barley..."
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