Grand mufti: Don’t give zakat to beggars

Grand Mufti Abdulaziz Al-Asheikh has warned people against lagging behind in paying “Zakat Al-Fitr,” charity given during Eid. He called on people to look for deserving families in need and urged them not to give zakat to beggars on the streets.
He called on mosque imams who collect charity to pay it on time, saying timely payment was instructed by the Prophet (peace be upon him).
Delivering the Friday sermon at the Imam Turki bin Abdulaziz Mosque in Riyadh, the grand mufti said it should be paid in grain, rice or dates.
The grand mufti said giving three kilograms of dates, rice, barley or “aqat” (cooked yogurt) is ideal, adding that zakat should come from a Muslim’s prized possessions.
“Zakat Al-Fitr was initiated by our Prophet (peace be upon him) and is obligatory on all Muslims, young and old, rich or poor. People who have domestic workers living in their homes should pay zakat to them. Anyone who can spare some expenses during Eid should pay their excess in charity,” he said.
“Charity provides salvation from sins while at the same time benefiting the less fortunate. It should be given just before Eid prayers, two days before Eid, or on the eve of Eid,” he added.
“Our beloved Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) put in place legislation to hand out alms in order to express gratitude to his Lord for His blessings and graces. This must be done a day or two before Eid Al-Fitr and most certainly before the Eid prayer,” he said.