What is the permissible timeframe for advancing the payment of Zakat al-Fitr before Eid?
Chapter on Zakat al-Fitr
Al-Mughni
Book of Zakat
Primary text
Advancing Zakat al-Fitr payment is permissible up to two days before Eid, but no more than that. Ibn Umar narrated that they used to give it one or two days before the breaking of the fast. Some of our scholars permit advancing it from the middle of the month. The evidence supporting advancement by one or two days is the narration from Ibn Umar, recorded by Bukhari, stating that the Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) mandated Sadaqat al-Fitr from Ramadan, and in its conclusion, it is stated that they used to give it a day or two before Eid, which signifies consensus (ijma'). This limited advance does not violate the purpose of the charity, as the provision remains or part of it suffices for the need on Eid day.
Supporting text
Abu Hanifah permits advancing it from the beginning of the year because it is a form of Zakat, akin to Zakat on wealth. Al-Shafi'i permits it from the beginning of Ramadan because the cause (Siyam/Fasting) is present, making advanced payment permissible like Zakat on wealth once the threshold (nisab) is owned.