A
shopkeeper have his Zakaat in kind in the form of clothing, shoes etc...The
person to whom the shopkeeper gave the items to was supposed to have found the
correct worthy recipients and discharge,   however , he could not. This
parcel then, of zakaatable clothing came to us to discharge.  

Amongst the
many items, are some that seem to be doubtful.  There are ties ( that men
wear around the neck) and some clothing with animated pictures on them. Can
these be given to zakaatable people? 

Answer: 

By wearing a tie one resembles the Kuffar, whilst it is impermissible to wear clothing with pictures of animate objects. We assume that the shopkeeper had given general authority to the 1st person to distribute his Zakaat as he wishes, whether he distributes it himself or takes the assistance of another individual or institute. It is perhaps on this basis that the clothing has come to you for distribution. You are acting as the representative of the first person (that was appointed by the shopkeeper). Due to the nature of the clothing, you should return the clothing to the 1st representative explaining to him that it is incorrect for you to assist in the disobedience of Allah Ta'aala (by distributing such clothing.). It will then be his responsibility to return it to the shopkeeper.

AND ALLAH TA’ALA ALONE IN HIS INFINITE KNOWLEDGE KNOWS BEST

ANSWERED BY: Mufti Mohammed Desai 

CHECKED AND APPROVED BY: Mufti Muhammed Saeed Motara Saheb D.B

Date: 16 Safar 1441 

English Date: 15 October 2019