it still has its husk. Physicians have mentioned many benefits of it, but its nutritional value is less than that of wheat.

His statement, “or their flour,” means wheat flour or barley flour. Thus, if a person gives one sa‘ of the flour of either of them, it is valid. With flour, however, the relevant measure is weight, because when grain is ground, its particles spread out. Thus, one sa‘ of flour is approximately equivalent to five-sixths of a sa‘ of grain, whereas one sa‘ of grain—wheat or barley—yields a sa‘ or more of flour. This is because, by Allah’s creation, grain fits together completely, even though there are gaps between one kernel and another.

His statement, “or their roasted grain flour,” means roasted wheat or barley flour. Roasted grain flour is grain toasted over the fire and then ground; it is afterwards mixed with water and makes a palatable food.

His statement, “or dates,” means that fresh dates may not be given as zakat al-fitr; rather, they must be dried dates. Dates were measured by volume in the time of the Messenger of Allah ﷺ, and are therefore among the commodities measured by volume. Nowadays, however, they are among the commodities sold by weight. Therefore, when giving them, one must take account of their lightness and heaviness.

His statement, “or raisins”: raisins are dried grapes. Yet not every grape is suitable for making raisins; rather, only certain varieties are. Raisins are nourishment and staple food, like dates.

His statement, “or dried curds”: dried curds are a type of food made from buttermilk and then dried. They are generally made by Bedouins.