Is it permissible to take money designated for charity when one is in need of it, and is it better to spend it immediately or to collect it to give it all at once?

You are permitted to spend on yourself from the money designated for charity, even if your need is not urgent. This is better than incurring debt. Moreover, a person's charity upon themselves and their family is among the best forms of charity. The Prophet, peace and blessings be upon him, clarified the levels of charity, starting with oneself, then children, then one's spouse, then a servant. Most scholars are of the opinion that charity does not become obligatory until it is taken possession of, so it is permissible to revoke it before that.