Is it obligatory to equalize the distribution among the recipients of Zakat in the Shafi'i school of thought, or is it permissible to increase or decrease the share of some over others, along with the permissibility of distributing it to fewer than eight recipients?

The Shafi'is hold that it is obligatory to encompass all eight categories of eligible recipients for zakat, such that each category receives one-eighth of the zakat. If one category is deficient, its share is distributed among the existing categories. They do not consider it obligatory to equalize among individuals within the same category, but rather recommend it. However, the more authoritative view is that it is not obligatory to encompass all eight categories. Rather, what is obligatory is to pay zakat to those who are eligible, whether or not it covers all eight categories.