Is it permissible to eat from the fruits of date palms before giving zakat, and how is zakat given for types that have no use after drying, and is selling dates in two stages (before and after drying) permissible, and is it permissible to give the value of zakat in money?

It is permissible to eat, sell, and gift fruits before paying zakat, provided that this is done after the estimation (kharṣ) and the overall appraisal of what is on the date palms or in the farm, so that the amount of zakat becomes known.

The estimation (kharṣ) takes place when the fruits show ripeness and it becomes permissible to sell them, in order to provide ease for people. If the fruits are struck by a calamity after the estimation and before harvesting (jidādh), it is taken into account.

The appraisal includes everything in the farm, and the zakat is given from the average quality. Its amount is half of a tenth (5%) if irrigated by machinery, and a tenth (10%) of what is produced if not irrigated by machinery.

As for giving a monetary sum equivalent to the value of the dates instead of the dates themselves, it is permissible if there is a need or benefit for the poor.