It is recommended to give the Zakat al-Fitr before heading to the prayer place on the day of Eid; as narrated by Ibn Umar (may Allah be pleased with him): "The Prophet (peace be upon him) commanded that the Zakat al-Fitr be given before the people go out to pray," in Sahih al-Bukhari 2: 548. And from Ibn Abbas (may Allah be pleased with him), he said: "The Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) made Zakat al-Fitr obligatory as a purification for the fasting person from idle talk and obscenity, and as food for the poor. Whoever gives it before the prayer, it is an accepted Zakat, and whoever gives it after the prayer, it is just a charity among charities," in Sunan Abu Dawood 2: 111, and Sunan Ibn Majah 1: 585, and Al-Mustadrak 1: 598. The Prophet (peace be upon him) said: "Provide for them so that they do not have to beg on such a day," in Tabaqat Ibn Sa'd 1: 248, and in Ma'rifat 'Ulum al-Hadith p. 131, and Sunan al-Daraqutni 2: 152. If it is given before heading to the prayer place, the poor person will be spared from asking on that day, allowing him to pray with a tranquil heart and a calm soul. See: Al-Wiqayah p. 231, and Fath Bab al-'Inayah 1: 554, and Al-Hadiyah al-'Alawiyyah p. 241, and Al-Bada'i 2: 74.