What is the minimum number of individuals required when distributing a bequest designated for a specific Zakat category?

Primary text

According to Muhammad ibn al-Hasan, distribution to fewer than two individuals from each specified category is not permissible. A second narration from Ahmad, also the opinion of Al-Shafi'i, states that distribution to fewer than three individuals from each category is not permissible. The foundation for this difference of opinion lies in the rulings concerning Zakat distribution.