What is the ruling on feeding the poor with something one does not eat, while knowing that they will benefit from it, based on the verse, "And do not aim for what is bad to spend from it, while you would not take it yourselves except with closed eyes," and the saying of the Messenger of Allah, peace and blessings be upon him, concerning the dabb (mastigure lizard), "Do not feed them from what you do not eat"?

The gist of the Fatwa:

The Hadith "Do not feed them that which you yourselves do not eat" is weak in its chain of transmission due to interruption. However, even if it were authenticated, it would be understood as a recommendation (mustahabb), signifying generosity and a kind disposition in feeding the poor and servants from what the giver of charity eats, rather than an obligation. This is similar to the Prophet's (peace be upon him) command to feed slaves from what the master eats and to clothe them from what he wears, which is also a recommendation and not an obligation.

As for the noble verse: (And do not aim for what is bad [to spend from it]), it prohibits intentionally giving out bad quality items in charity. This is interpreted in two ways: either it pertains to obligatory Zakat, meaning it is not permissible to give out Zakat from bad quality wealth when good quality is available; or it pertains to voluntary charity as a recommendation (nadb) for those who intentionally give out bad quality from their wealth out of stinginess with the good. The verse encompasses both aspects: the command in it is obligatory concerning Zakat, and a recommendation concerning voluntary charity.