Who are the recipients of Zakat al-Fitr? A hadith is quite explicit on the issue: “The Prophet (peace be upon him) prescribed sadaqat al-Fitr as a means of cleansing the fasting person…as well as a means of providing food for the poor (for the day of `Eid).” (Abu Dawud and others)

 

Given the explicit nature of the above hadith, one should not take liberties with regard to Zakat al-Fitr, and it should not be diverted to other causes, however noble they may be.

 

The proper manner of giving Zakat al-Fitr is to give it where one is residing. However, in the event that one cannot find deserving people nearby, or one has close relatives in another country who are more deserving, then it is allowed to send the funds there.

 

As stated above, if there are no needy people to receive the Zakah in one’s local area, it should be directed to where there is a need.

 

In today’s world, there is no justification for holding the funds or directing them to other channels when we know that millions of people, a large percentage of whom are Muslims, are living in sub-human conditions of extreme poverty and deprivation.

 

Whether one decides to give it locally or elsewhere, the amount of Zakah should be calculated according to the standard of his place of residence rather than by where the funds are sent.

 

Almighty Allah knows best.