Sadaqah al Fitr and Zakat are similar in the sense that the eligible recipients of Zakat are also eligible to receive Sadaqah al Fitr. Essentially, it is permissible to give Sadaqah al Fitr to all categories of people who are eligible to receive Zakat according to Shariah. Simultaneously, all categories of people who are not eligible to receive Zakat according to Shariah cannot be given Sadaqah al Fitr. Therefore, the Imam Sahab's statement that Sadaqah al Fitr is only the right of an Imam is not correct.
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دلائل:
رد المحتار: (339/2، ط: دار الفكر)
(قوله: أي مصرف الزكاة والعشر) وهو مصرف أيضا لصدقة الفطر والكفارة والنذر وغير ذلك من الصدقات الواجبة كما في القهستاني۔
Allah the Almighty knows best.
Darul ifta Al-Ikhlas, Karachi.