According to Ibn Taymiyyah, while paying Zakat al-Fitr, one should ideally take into account the standard of living he is used to, for a rich person may spend lavishly on the `Eid feast, while an average person cannot afford do so; therefore, one would do well to give according to his own means.

 

Based on the traditions referenced above, the standard ruling of the majority of scholars is that Zakat al-Fitr is to be paid in staple foods rather than in cash.

 

However, Imam Abu Hanifah is one of those who ruled early on that one should pay what is most beneficial for the poor.

 

There is no doubt that this view seems to be in perfect agreement with the wisdom of Zakat al-Fitr, as the Prophet (peace be upon him) clearly stated it was “in order to help the poor celebrate `Eid.”

 

We need not mention the fact that paying in grains, although beneficial in a rural setting, may not be beneficial for the people in an urban milieu, so Imam Abu Hanifah’s position seems to be more relevant in such cases.

 

This position has also been endorsed by Imam Ibn Taymiyyah, as well as by a number of eminent scholars in modern times, such as the late Sheikh Mustafa al-Zarqa among others.

 

There is no need to point out that in North America, and in the West in general, that this is perhaps the most practical way to implement Zakat al-Fitr, since giving grains may not be beneficial for either the giver or the beneficiary.

 

As far as calculating the amount to be paid in cash, it is estimated to be the equivalent of one full meal; according to current Canadian standards, it can be considered ten dollars as less than that amount cannot fetch a decent meal.

However, Imam Ibn Taymiyyah’s opinion cited above should be taken into account, as it allows some leeway for individuals to decide how much they can afford to pay, although it is always best to err on the side of giving rather than withholding, especially in the realm of ‘ibadah.

 

Almighty Allah knows best.