between water and earth in a single act of purification. Since he is unable to perform ablution, let him perform tayammum.

Issue: The sa‘ we have is larger than the Prophetic sa‘: the Prophetic sa‘ is smaller than our local sa‘ by one fifth and one twenty-fifth. Is it disliked to give zakat using it, or is it not disliked, with the excess counting as charity?

The answer: The correct view is that it is not disliked, and the excess counts as charity. It is reported from Imam Malik that he considered this disliked, because it is an act of worship whose measure has been specified by the Lawgiver. However, the correct view is that this act of worship is predominantly concerned with providing wealth and food; therefore, there is no harm in giving more. This is like one who owes forty dirhams but gives sixty dirhams. The additional amount, however, requires an intention for it to count as charity.

His statement, “of wheat”: wheat is a well-known grain and among the finest types of grain. It was scarce during the time of the Prophet ﷺ, though it was available, as established in the hadith of ‘Ubadah ibn al-Samit: “Gold for gold, silver for silver, wheat for wheat, barley for barley, dates for dates, and salt for salt” (1). Due to its scarcity and rarity, it was not mentioned among the commodities from which zakat al-fitr is given, as in the hadith of Abu Sa‘id: “Our food at that time consisted of barley, dates, raisins, and dried curds” (2). Its not being mentioned does not indicate that it is invalid to give it; rather, it is undoubtedly valid.

His statement, “or barley”: this is a well-known and beneficial grain, especially when