Can Zakah Be Given to Non-Muslims?

Praise be to Allah.

Can you give Zakah to non-Muslims?

“It is not permissible to give Zakah on one’s wealth or crops, or Zakat Al-Fitr , to non-Muslim, even if they are poor, or wayfarers, or debtors. If one who gives Zakah to them, that is not counted as Zakah. 

Can you give charity to non-Muslims?

It is permissible to give regular charity – not obligatory charity (i.e., Zakah) to poor non-Muslims , and to exchange gifts and with them and treat them well to soften their hearts towards Islam, so long as they have not carried out any hostile actions against the Muslims, which would disallow that. Allah says (interpretation of the meaning): 

“Allah 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, Allah loves those who deal with equity.” [Al-Mumtahanah 60:8]

And Allah is the Source of strength. May Allah bless our Prophet Muhammad and his family and companions, and grant them peace.” (Fatawa Al-Lajnah Ad-Da’imah, vol. 10, p. 30)

Who can receive Zakah from the non-Muslims?

There is one category of Zakah that may be given to the non-Muslims, which is “to attract the hearts of those who have been inclined (towards Islam)” (cf. Al-Tawbah 9:60). It is permissible to give Zakah funds to those non-Muslims who hold positions of authority and influence among their people, if there is the hope that by giving them something they may become Muslims , then those who are under them may become Muslim too. 

And Allah is the Source of strength.