716. Is It Allowed To Give Zakaat To Non Muslims?

By Asma bint Shameem 

It is not allowed to give Zakaah to non Muslims. 

Zakaah can only be spent in the eight categories that are mentioned in Surah at-Taubah. 

Allaah says:

“As-Sadaqaat (here it means Zakaah) are only for the Fuqaraa’ (poor), and Al-Masaakeen (the poor) and those employed to collect (the funds); and to attract the hearts of those who have been inclined (towards Islam); and to free the captives; and for those in debt; and for Allaah’s Cause (i.e. for Mujaahidoon — those fighting in a holy battle), and for the wayfarer (a traveller who is cut off from everything); a duty imposed by Allaah. And Allaah is All-Knower, All-Wise”

[al-Tawbah 9:60]

The ONLY time we ‘may’ give Zakaah to non-Muslims is when a non Muslim seems inclined towards Islaam; but  that also comes with certain conditions and limitations.  

For example the person is in leadership position and is inclined towards Islaam and this Zakaah is given as an *incentive* to  soften his heart and ‘push’ him and his followers to accept this Deen. 

However, there’s no problem for you 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]. 

With regard to zakaah, it is not permissible for a kaafir unless he is one whose heart is to be softened towards Islam, because Allaah mentions among those who are entitled to zakaah “and to attract the hearts of those who have been inclined (towards Islaam)” [al-Tawbah 9:60].”(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