How should it be given?
Items other than food such as money, clothes, furniture, etc. cannot be given as Zakat al-fitr. because it is contrary to what the Prophet commanded and what Allah wants. The Prophet (S) said, "Whoever introduces anything in this matter (deen) of ours will have it rejected." [Bukhaaree Vol 3 no. 861. Muslim no.4266, Abu Daawood no.4589]

Paying Zakaat ul-Fitr is an act of worship, and through the Quran and authentic Sunnah all acts of worship are described. Therefore, to add, subtract, or alter any act of worship is a bida'h. Thus, paying zakaah al-fitr by other than food is a bida'h and every bid'ah eventually leads to the fire [see Abu Daawood no. 4590].

Not giving money for fitr is as Sunnah at-Turkeeyah (An action, the abandonment of which is a Prophetic Sunnah). Money existed and was prevalent in the Prophet's time but he did not nor did the Companions or Taabi'oon (followers of the Companions) use any money for Fitr. For sure the Prophet (S) was, is, and always will be the best of worshippers and the Companions and Taabi'oon are the best of generations in understanding and practicing Islaam [See Soorah's 4:115 and 3:110, Bukhaaree Vol 3 and 5, Abu Daawood no.4586]. So if he and they did not use money for Sadaqah al-Fitr why should any one else???

18. DOES RAMADAAN END WITH EED AL-FITR?

Most assuredly you would get a "yes" answer from every Muslim you ask as towhether Ramadaan ends with 'Eed Al-Fitr. Concerning the injunctions for abstaining from food, drink and sexual contact with our spouses during the daytime, these could be easily ascertained from the Quraan and the Hadeeth. However,when we investigate some of the reasons that make the Ramadhaan such a great blessing, we will see that its lessons should be with us every day of the year.

First of all, the fact that we spend from dawn to sunset denying ourselves the normal needs and pleasures of this world builds within us fortitude and self-discipline. This will enable us to develop the most prized virtue of patience (if Allaah wills). Allaah (T) tells us:

{O you who believe! Seek help with patient perseverance and prayer: ForAllaah is with those who patiently persevere} [Baqarah 2:153]

By keeping in mind that we are complying with the commandments of Allaah (T) we will remind ourselves of our purpose in seeking Allaah's Pleasure. Ramadaan helps to reinforce our need to be constantly conscious of obeying Allaah (T) and be mindful of the fact that His guidance is the greatest mercy. Allaah (T) tells us:

{O mankind! There has come toyou a direction from your Lord and a healing for the disease in your hearts, and a guidance and a mercy for those who believe. Say: In the Bounty of Allaah and in His Mercy: In that let themtejoice. that is better than (the wealth) they hoard} [Yoonus 10:57-58]

Through Ramadaan we not only realize that obeying Allaah (T) is the greatest joy, but we live and experience this obedience in a more acute sense as we restrain our desires during the course of the days of this blessed month. Obeying Allaah (T) with love and humility, which is the essence of worship, become the focal point of our lives. For that reason when asked about the end of Ramadaan, we can see that its spirit never really ends as this should be our attitude relative to worship of Allaah throughout the year. We realize that it is just one more stepping stone, a large one indeed, on the path of Islaam, which is instituted to assist us to achieve our purpose here in this life. Thus does Ramadaan by nurturing the virtues of patience, focusing our vision on the Guidance and the Mercy of Allaah(T) and fine-tuning our will to obey Him, instill in us the quality of character needed to truly strive in the Cause of Allaah. This striving in the Cause ofAllaah (T), or Jihaad, encompasses every aspect of our lives and is the highest achievement in a Muslim's life. Allaah (T) informs us: