A:
It is not permissible
to pay money instead of food as Zakat-ul-Fitr. The Prophet (peace be upon him) commanded the giving of food as Zakat-ul-Fitr and specified its weight in Sa`, which indicates that it is fixed and that payment of its value does not discharge the obligation. The poor can then sell the food after receiving it and make good use of the money.May Allah grant us success. May peace and blessings be upon our Prophet Muhammad, his family, and Companions.