He lives in Japan but wants to pay Zakaatul-Fitr in Egypt

21-12-2000 | IslamWeb

Question:

About Zakah al-Fitr, I live in Japan now for study. I want to pay my Zakah this year to someone in Egypt, my home country. What is the amount of money should I pay. Since they pay in Egypt about 5 pounds and the Islamic Center here in Tokyo said about 1500 Yen, about 52 pounds, but I will pay it In Egypt not in Japan?

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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 is His slave and Messenger.

The majority of the jurists are of the view that Zakaatul-Fitr should be paid in the country where it became an obligation on the pubescent person to pay it.

Therefore, when the sun sets on the night of ‘Eed while a person who is obliged to pay the Zakaah is there, he is obliged to pay Zakaatul-Fitr there [in that country].

It is unlawful to send Zakaatul-Fitr from one country to another unless there are no needy or poor people in the country where it was actually due, or that there is a preponderant benefit in sending it, like the existence of severe poverty or dire necessity in the country where one wants to send it to.

Nonetheless, since it is lawful to transfer Zakaatul-Fitr to another country, then you should delegate a person in Egypt who would buy on your behalf a Sa'a (2 ½ Kg.) of the food of the people of the country, like rice, wheat, etc. with the price in Egypt.

Paying Zakaatul-Fitr in food products is the opinion of the majority of the scholars of the Maaliki, Shaafi’i, and Hanbali Schools or jurisprudence and it is the preponderant opinion. But if you stick to giving money, as is the Hanafi School’s opinion, then you should pay the Zakaah when it is due [and based on the amount calculated in the country where you are right now; i.e. 1500 yen].

Allah knows best.