The three Imams (Malek, Al-Shafa’i, Ahmed) are of the view that Zakat Al-Fitr should be given in the form of food, not cash, not in the form of any other alternative to cash. This is the view of the majority of Islamic scholars; the evidences for this view are more sound.
Zakat Al-Fitr is one Saa’ of any kind of staple food, which is four complete scoops as scooped up with two hands. In modern weights this is equivalent to approximately three kilograms.
Fukuoka Masjid habitually sends Zakat Al-Fitr outside Japan, since no enough information about needy Muslims inside japan. The value of Zakat Al-Fitr depends entirely on the price of the staple food in the country that we will send zakat to it.
Similarly, sacrificial animal in Eid Al-Adha; most Muslims “in Japan” appoint someone to slaughter the sacrifice on their behalf in their home countries regardless the difference in animal prices between Japan and others.
Indeed, misunderstanding arises when we consider Zakat Al-Fitr as money while it is not.
Noteworthy giving Zakat-Al Fitr in form of food, in conformity with the Sunnah of Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) and his companions, does not prevent you from giving Sadaqah (charity) without any specific amount, ratio, time or place.
We ask Allah to help us and all the Muslims to understand His religion and adhere steadfastly to it. May Allah bless our Prophet Muhammad and his family and companions.
Imam Of Fukuoka Alnour Mosque