The agent in distributing zakah must carry out the instructions of his principal

Q: First, I would like to thank the honorable shaykhs for their great efforts in answering the questions of Muslims with complete frankness and clarity. May Allah reward them with good. I hope for an answer to the following question:
One of the brothers gave me the zakah of his wealth and asked me to send it to people in Sudan, on the condition that they be committed to the Book and the Sunnah in speech and action, that I have no kinship ties with them, and that they be in need and eligible for zakah. I have relatives and acquaintances, but they do not fully meet these conditions. The amount is still in my possession. Please advise me on what to do with it? Should I return it to him, or distribute it to those I consider eligible without applying his conditions? We ask that the question and answer be published, and I offer you my abundant thanks. May Allah reward you with good.

A: You must carry out what your principal instructed regarding the characteristics of the people to whom you were appointed to pay the zakah. If you do not find anyone who possesses these characteristics, return the money to its owner so that he may distribute it to those who are eligible. You are not permitted to dispose of it in a manner other than the way the owner of the wealth instructed you, because the agent is bound by the restrictions the principal placed on him, insofar as they conform to the pure Shari'ah.