Is it permissible to keep a portion of zakat funds allocated for a distant relative who is in dire financial straits, given that it is currently impossible to deliver it to him, and to await potential contact with him, which may be prolonged?

Zakat must be given out immediately, and it is not permissible to delay it when one is able to, because it is a right of the poor. This is the opinion of the majority of scholars, unless the delay is slight in order to give it to someone who is more deserving, such as a relative or someone in dire need. However, if the delay is significant, it is not permissible. Therefore, it is necessary to hasten in delivering it to the aforementioned relative or their representative.