Is it permissible to pay the zakat on a commercial store from goods at cost price if paying it in cash would affect the settlement of financial obligations, knowing that these goods are beneficial to the people of the country?

The ruling on giving zakat (definition) in monetary value has been previously addressed, and the preponderant opinion among scholars is that it is permissible, provided it serves the interest of the poor. Therefore, it must be given in cash, not as a monetary value. The fact that this might affect the payment of obligations does not justify giving the monetary value, because there is no benefit for the poor in deviating from cash to a monetary value. Paying zakat must be among the top priorities.