THE CHAPTER ON ZAKAT · 18 – WHEN IS FITR SADAQA GIVEN?
It is narrated from Ibn Umar, may Allah be pleased with him:
The Messenger of Allah, peace and blessings be upon him, commanded us to pay the Zakat al-Fitr before the Eid prayer.
Nafi said: Ibn Umar would pay the Zakat al-Fitr one or two days before the Eid. [463]
EXPLANATION
The time for paying Zakat al-Fitr is before the Eid prayer. It can be given a few days prior so that the poor person may fulfill his need. If it cannot be paid before the Eid prayer, it should still be paid after the prayer. It should not be delayed without an excuse.