What is the priority order for paying Zakat al-Fitr after satisfying one's own obligation?
Chapter on Zakat al-Fitr
Al-Mughni
Book of Zakat
Primary text
If there is a surplus, the payment is made on behalf of the wife because her maintenance obligation is more stringent, being obligatory upon the condition of wealth (Yasar) or lack thereof (I'sar). Following this, if there is still a surplus, the payment is made on behalf of one's slaves, as their maintenance is obligatory even in poverty. Subsequently, the payment is made on behalf of minor children, as their maintenance is explicitly stated and agreed upon.
Supporting text
Ibn Aqil suggests that the slave’s Fitr might take precedence over the wife's because the obligation of the slave's Fitr is universally agreed upon, whereas the wife's Fitr is a matter of differing opinion.