بسم الله الرحمن الرحيم
The sheikh was asked about zakat-ul-fitr, so he responded by saying:
Zakat-ul-Fitr is 3 liters of food (1) distributed at the end of Ramadan. The reason for doing so is to display thankfulness for Allah’s favor upon the servant due to the fast breaking of Ramadan and its completion, as a result it was named Zakat-ul-Fitr or sadaqat-ul-fitr. When the sun sets (ushering in) the night of Eid (2) it (Zakat-ul-Fitr) becomes obligatory. If a man has a child after the setting of the sun on the night of Eid, it is not binding upon him zakat-ul-fitr on his behalf (3), it is only recommended. And if a man dies before the setting of the sun on the night of Eid it is not obligatory upon him its distribution, this is because he died before the presence of the reason for its obligation.
Translated by Najeeb Al Anjelesi
Source: فتاوى في أحكام الزكاة
1: Zakat-ul-Fitr was legislated as foodstuff, not money nor juice.
Abdullah Ibn Umar said; Allah’s Messenger -sallahu alayhi wa salaam- made binding zakat-ul-fitr, as a sa’a (3 liters) of dates, or 3 liters of barely upon the servant and freed, the male and female, the young and old from the Muslims. He ordered that it be distributed before the people exit for the (eid) prayer. Collected by Al Bukhari and Muslim.
Abu Saeed Al Khudri said; during the life of Allah’s Messenger we distributed on the day the fast was broken 3 liters of food. Collect by Al Bukhari.
One of the strangest things that I’ve seen since being in the south is the Muslims year after year stating that apple and grape juice are Zakat-ul-Fitr items. This is incorrect as Zakat-ul-Fitr items are foodstuff and not drink.
2: The night comes before the day and not vice versa as is commonly practiced here in the west. So on the 29th day of Ramadan the moon will be sought in order to ascertain if we’re going into the 1st night of shawwal (the night of Eid) or completing 30 days of Ramadan.
3: A man gives Zakat-ul-Fitr for himself and his family members under his care to whom which he spends upon. Abdullah Ibn Umar said; Allah’s Messenger -sallahu alayhi wa salaam- ordered the distributing of sadaqat-ul-fitr from the young and old, the freed and the servant, from those under your care (who you’re obliged to spend upon and take care of). Collected by Al Baihaqi and Imaam Ad-Daaruqutni.
for further clarity on the amount of zakat-ul- fitr please visit the following:
Zakaat al-Fitr Measurements: One Saa’ = Three Litres, One Mudd = .75L