Buying Zakat-ul-Fitr on the first days of Ramadan and distributing it to the poor at the end of the month

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A: The time of giving Zakat-ul-Fitr is after seeing the crescent of the month of Shawwal until before Salat-ul-`Eid (the Festival Prayer). (Part No. 8; Page No. 273) However, it is permissible to give it one or two days before seeing the crescent but no more. The Zakah payer should give it to its deserving recipients on his or her behalf and on behalf of those he or she provides for. One can also authorize an honest person to give it on their behalf at the due time, for it is an obligation that one must fulfill. So, one is not permitted to make light of it or depend on organizations that do not pay due attention to it.May Allah grant us success. May peace and blessings be upon our Prophet Muhammad, his family, and Companions.