680. Is It Permissible To Give Charity To Non Muslims?

By Asma Bint Shameem

It is permissible to give non-Muslims from your “voluntary” charity if you like. 

Shaikh Ibn Uthaymeen said: 

“Yes, it is permissible to give charity to non-Muslims in order to soften their hearts towards Islaam, with the hope that they will become Muslim, whether it is zakaah or voluntary charity. 

With regard to other purposes, it is permissible to give them voluntary charity but it is not permissible to give them zakaah, because Allaah says:

“Allaah does not forbid you to deal justly and kindly with those who fought not against you on account of religion nor drove you out of your homes. Verily, Allaah loves those who deal with equity” [al-Mumtahanah 60:8]”

(al-Ijaabaat alaa as’alatul jaaliyaat 1/24,25)

So although it is permissible to give *sadaqah* to anyone even non Muslims, I would recommend giving it to some poor *Muslims* instead. 

That’s because there are plenty of  resources for the non Muslims like their churches and other non Muslims. 

But for the poor Muslims, there’s no one but us to help them. 

Besides, the Muslims have more Haqq on our money because of the bonds of Islaamic brotherhood. 

And Allaah knows best