Is it permissible to give out zakat on money as dates to be distributed among those who are fasting?

Zakat is a right enjoined by Allah Almighty for specific categories. Those who fast are not among the recipients of zakat simply because they are fasting. Therefore, it is impermissible to give them zakat merely for their fasting. However, if any of them possess a characteristic of those eligible for zakat, such as poverty or other qualifying conditions, then there is no objection to giving them zakat.

It is impermissible to give dates as zakat for wealth other than dates from the zakatable assets. This is not permissible or sufficient according to the majority of jurists. However, it is permissible in the Hanafi school of thought, and according to Sheikh al-Islam Ibn Taymiyyah, if there is a need or a benefit for the poor.