Q. Can I give my Zakaat by giving a discount to my Zakaat eligible customers?
A. The prerequisite of discharging Zakaat is transferal of ownership (Tamleek). By giving a discount to an eligible recipient of Zakaat, the prerequisite of transferral of ownership is not fulfilled. Hence, the discharging of ones Zakaat in such a manner will not be valid.
Alternatively, you may charge an eligible recipient of Zakaat the full amount of the product, for e.g. R50 and discharge your Zakaat by returning for e.g. R20 to the eligible recipient of Zakaat. In this manner, your Zakaat will be discharged. (Fataawa Mahmoodiyyah 14/401)
Allah Ta’ala Knows Best
Mufti Ismaeel Bassa