other than that. If the wealth is merchandise with which he travels, Al-Qadi said: He distributes its Zakah where its year elapses, in whichever location it may be. The implication of Ahmad's words regarding his consideration of the complete year is that it is permissible for him to distribute it in that land, or other lands where he resided during that year. Regarding a man who is away from his family, when Zakah becomes due upon him: He pays it in the place where he has resided for the longest time. As for Zakah al-Fitr, he distributes it in the land where it became due upon him, regardless of whether his wealth is in it or not; because the person himself is the cause for the obligation of the Zakah, so it is distributed in the land where its cause exists.

Section: It is recommended to distribute charity in its own land, then in the nearest and then the next nearest of the villages and cities. Ahmad said, in a narration by Salih: "There is no harm if he gives his Zakah in the surrounding villages, as long as they do not reach the distance of shortening the prayer, and he should begin with the nearest then the next nearest." If he transfers it to a distant place to prioritize relatives, or those who are in more dire need, there is no harm, as long as it does not exceed the distance of shortening the prayer.

Section: If the collector (sa'i) takes the charity and finds it necessary to sell it for the benefit of those responsible for its transport, or because of its illness or similar reasons, he may do so; based on what Qays ibn Abi Hazim narrated, that the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) saw a hump-backed (kawma') she-camel among the charity camels, so he asked about it. The collector said: "I exchanged it for other camels." He remained silent. Narrated by Abu Ubayd in "Al-Amwal," who said: "The exchange (raj'ah) means that he sells it and buys with its price the like of it or other than it." If there is no need to sell it, Al-Qadi said: "It is not permissible, the sale is invalid, and he is liable for it." It is possible that it is permissible; due to the hadith of Qays, for the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) remained silent when the collector informed him of the exchange, and did not ask for further details."