Does what the father does, distributing fresh and dried dates, suffice for the zakat on palm trees, knowing that most of the beneficiaries are not eligible for zakat, and the distributed quantity might be more than the zakat amount? And must I pay the zakat in cash from my own money for this year and for previous years in which zakat was not paid, which may amount to 30 years or more, based on an estimate of 250 kilograms per palm tree?

The father must repent sincerely to Allah, as withholding zakat is a grave sin. What the father is doing—giving dates without accurately determining the obligatory amount or seeking out the deserving recipients—is clearly wrong. What was obligatory for him was to calculate the zakat by estimating the yield of each palm tree when the fruit ripens, and then to give it out after harvesting. This amount is one-tenth if the palm trees are irrigated without cost, and one-half of one-tenth if they are irrigated with cost. Then, he should give this amount to the deserving recipients from the eight categories. If he is giving without the intention of zakat, it is not valid for him, as intention is a condition for the validity of acts of worship. If he gave with the intention of zakat, he must ascertain what he gave to whom and how much, and deduct it from his debt. Whatever remains due from him must be paid immediately. If he is unable to know what is due from him, he should investigate and act based on his best judgment. If he is unable to pay it all, he should pay what he can and defer the rest. The son is not obligated to pay anything on behalf of his father, but if he wishes to help him, it is conditional upon the father authorizing him or being informed of it so that the father's intention is realized. Some scholars permit giving money instead of dates, while the majority prohibit it, though Shaykh al-Islam permitted it for the sake of benefit.