Sheikh Ali Zahir has stated that Food Stuff and cash can be used to pay Zakat and that both methods are prescribed in Islam.
Speaking to the prayer congregation Friday’s evening prayer, Sheikh Zahir said that there are some who believe that food was the only acceptable form of Zakat payment and that it was not the case.
He said that most scholars agree that Muslims can pay their Zakat with the means present. He also said that presently, cash was the acceptable method of payment and therefore, it was alright to pay Zakat is cash.
Sheikh Ali Zahir stated that the purpose of paying Zakat was to ensure that the needy could also take part in the Eid celebration and to lend a hand to them. He also stated that with the start of Ramadan, Zakat can be handed over to a trustworthy authority, who will dis tribute the proceedings among the needy.
Islamic Ministry reported that distributing foodstuff was a complicated issue. The Ministry also said that based on the present situation, it would be more beneficial to the needy if the proceedings were made in cash.