What is the ruling on delaying the distribution of zakat al-mal for the sake of public benefit?

Question : What is the ruling on delaying the distribution of zakat, specifically zakat al-mal, for the sake of public benefit? And what is the duration for which it may be delayed? The public benefit here is a man who has wealth and wants to allocate it as maintenance for orphans for a year or so, such that if he gave it to them all at once, they would spend it quickly. Or are orphans among those entitled to zakat? I mean, are they poor?

Answer : Well, in such a case, if he does not have a guardian, he is required to ask the judge for guardianship. Once he has obtained guardianship, there is no harm in setting aside a portion of his zakat to spend on them. However, without that, it is not permissible.