Is it permissible to transfer Zakat al-Fitr from one country to another?

5-3-2024 | IslamWeb

Question:

If i sent my zakat al fitr through package(post) before eid prayer but it will arrive only after eid prayer will it still count as zakat al fitr?
Answer:

All perfect praise be to Allah, The Lord of the Worlds. I testify that there is none worthy of worship except Allah, and that Muhammad sallallaahu `alayhi wa sallam ( may Allaah exalt his mention ) is His slave and Messenger.

The basic ruling is to distribute Zakat al-Fitr to the poor of the country where it is obligatory. However, it is permissible to transfer it to another country if there is a valid Sharee'ah interest, such as if there are poorer people in the other country who are in greater need. In Al-Fatawa Al-Kubra, Shaykh Al-Islam Ibn Taymiyyah may Allaah have mercy upon him says: “It is permissible to transfer Zakat and whatever falls under the same category for a valid Sharee'ah interest.”

Regarding Zakat al-Fitr sent through mail and arriving after 'Eid al-Fitr prayer, if it will arrive on the day of 'Eid after the prayer, then many scholars held it permissible. However, if it will arrive after the day of 'Eid, this is not permissible except with a valid excuse. Therefore, it should be sent early to ensure it does not arrive after the day of 'Eid. See Fataawa 113433 and 6643.

Allah knows best.

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