Q: Is there a difference of opinion amongst jurists regarding ‘payment in kind’ for Zakah?
الجواب حامدا ومصليا ومسلما ومنه الصدق والصواب
A: There is a difference amongst jurists as to whether Zakah has to be given from the same wealth for which it is liable. E.g., if Zakah is payable on wheat then whether wheat itself must be given as Zakah or whether this can be replaced with another commodity or even cash. The position of the Hanafi School is that payments in kind can be made whilst other schools either reject this entirely or allow it in some circumstances and not others or allow it with a degree of reprehensibility. The 1st Ethical Zakah Guide is, as stated in the guide, based on the Hanafi school as that represents the majority within the UK and is also more facilitating to meet the needs of the person giving Zakah and those of the recipient.