The Sunnah is to distribute the Zakatul-Fitr among the poor People of the Land
Question:
In reference to the food for Zakatul-Fitr, is it to be distributed among the poor people of land or other than them? If we travel three days before the 'Eid what do we do regarding Zakatul-Fitr?
Answer:
The Sunnah is to distribute Zakatul-Fitr among the poor people of the land on the morning of the 'Eid day before the prayer. It is permissible to distribute it a day or two before that, starting from the 28th (Ramadhan). If someone who must pay Zakatul-Fitr, travels two days or more before the 'Eid he should give it in the Islamic, he should find some piir Muslims and give it, then its intent is to show beneficence and kindness to them (the poor) and prevent them from begging from the people during the days of the 'Eid.
Shaykh `Abdul-`Azeez Bin Baz
Fatawa Islamiya Page 209 Vol: 2
