The Ruling on Endowing Dates

Answer : Endowing dates is not permissible, because they cannot be utilized except by eating them, and eating them consumes them. However, the Shaykh al-Islam Ibn Taymiyyah chose the position that endowing dates is valid, and this is the stronger position. Accordingly, it is to be directed toward the purpose specified, and we say: call it charity or an endowment; the important thing is that it is utilized. For example, a man endows one hundred kilograms for those who break their fast in Ramadan. According to the words of the jurists, this is not valid, because it cannot be utilized except by destroying it. However, according to the stronger position chosen by the Shaykh (may Allah have mercy on him), it is valid.