According to a statement issued by Grand Mufti Shawky Allam, the head of Dar Al-Ifta, it is permissible to pay Zakat Al-Fitr at any time between the first day of Ramadan and the last day just before the Eid prayer.

“It is permissible to pay Zakat Al-Fitr in cash, instead of grain, to make it easier for the poor to meet their needs” Sheikh Allam added.  

Zakat Al-Fitr, or Zakat of Breaking the Fast of Ramadan, is the special obligatory alms paid by all adult Muslims at the end of the fasting month.

It is compulsory for every adult Muslim who has food in excess of their needs to pay it on behalf of themselves and their dependents.

Ramadan, the ninth month on the Islamic calendar, is held in high esteem in the Islamic faith.

The Holy Quran was revealed to the Prophet Muhammad during Ramadan.

Muslims fast during the month of Ramadan from dawn to sunset as a way of strengthening their relationship with God.