A poor man, who has to provide

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Q 2: Zakat-ul-Fitr (obligatory charity paid before the Festival of Breaking the Fast) : 1-Are Masjids (mosques) and other Islamic institutions authorized to collect Zakatul-Fitr in cash and distribute it as foodstuff, in which case the institution collecting Zakatul-Fitr is considered the authorized deputy of the one paying it?2-Which is obligatory; to distribute Zakatul-Fitr to those deserving it on the day of `Eid-ul-Fitr (the Festival of Breaking the Fast) or before it?3-Knowing that the ultimate purpose of Zakatul-Fitr is meeting the food needs of the poor on the day of `Eid, what is the ruling on collecting it in a storehouse and then distributing it along the year as a monthly aid?

A: 1- The basic principle is that Zakatul-Fitr should be given by the person paying it directly to those deserving it. However, it is permissible for the person who is paying it to deputize other trustworthy persons to distribute it. 2- It is preferable that Zakatul-Fitr be paid on the day of `Eid before going out to perform the `Eid Salah (Prayer). However, it may be paid one or two days before the `Eid.May Allah grant us success. May blessings and peace be upon our Prophet Muhammad, his family and Companions!