Is it permissible to give Zakat to a minor child, regardless of whether they consume food or not?

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It is permissible to give Zakat to both minors and adults, irrespective of whether the minor consumes cooked food or not. Imam Ahmad holds this view as correct because the minor is considered poor and therefore eligible for Zakat, similar to one who does consume food. The minor requires Zakat for nursing fees, clothing, and other needs, thus falling under the general scope of the religious texts. The Zakat must be given to the minor's guardian who receives their entitlements on their behalf. If no guardian exists, it is given to whomever takes care of the minor, such as the mother or another caretaker. This is explicitly stated by Imam Ahmad. A narration from al-Daraqutni, with its chain back to Abu Juhayfah, states that the Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) sent a collector who took charity from the wealthy and returned it to the poor. Abu Juhayfah, being an orphaned boy with no wealth, was given a young camel (qalous).