Is Sadaqah al-Fitr obligatory (Fard)?

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Sadaqah al-Fitr is obligatory (Fard) upon every mature Muslim. This ruling is affirmed by the consensus (Ijma) of the people of knowledge, as narrated by Ibn al-Mundhir. The primary evidence is the statement of Ibn Umar, upon whom be peace, that the Messenger of Allah, peace be upon him, obligated Zakat al-Fitr from Ramadan as one Sa' of dates, or one Sa' of dried yogurt (aqit), or one Sa' of barley, upon every free person and slave, male and female, of the Muslims. This is agreed upon (Muttafaq 'alayh). Furthermore, the command to pay it before the people exit for the prayer supports its obligatory status. The term 'Fard' (obligation) is confirmed because the Prophet established it as a decree, and the scholars are agreed that it is obligatory, meaning it is the necessary command.