A common mistake is giving Zakah to non-Muslims, even though Zakah is meant exclusively for Muslims, except in one specific case. Since Zakah is a pillar of Islam, it must be distributed within the Muslim community to support those who are in need.
Allah said: إِنَّمَا الصَّدَقَاتُ لِلْفُقَرَاءِ وَالْمَسَاكِينِ…
“Zakah expenditures are only for the poor, the needy….” (At-Tawbah 9:60)
🔹 The phrase “إِنَّمَا” (innama) in Arabic means “only”, indicating exclusivity. Scholars say this means Zakah is strictly limited to the eight categories mentioned and is not for non-Muslims except in one case.
تُؤْخَذُ مِنْ أَغْنِيَائِهِمْ فَتُرَدُّ فِي فُقَرَائِهِمْ
“It (Zakah) is to be taken from their rich and given to their poor (the believers)” – (Bukhari 1496)
🔹 “Their poor” refers to Muslim poor, meaning Zakah is meant to circulate within the Muslim community.
The One Exception: Mu’allafatu Qulubuhum
One of the eight categories that can receive Zakah is “those whose hearts are to be reconciled” (Al-Mu’allafatu Qulubuhum). This refers to:
- New Muslims who need support in their faith.
- Non-Muslims who may incline toward Islam or whose support benefits the Muslim community (e.g., tribal leaders in early Islam).
📜 The Prophet ﷺ gave Zakah to some non-Muslims to soften their hearts toward Islam.
أَنَّ النَّبِيَّ ﷺ أَعْطَىٰ قَوْمًا، وَمَنَعَ قَوْمًا، فَكَأَنَّهُمْ عَتَبُوا عَلَيْهِ، فَقَالَ: إِنِّي أُعْطِي قَوْمًا، وَأَدَعُ قَوْمًا، فِي قُلُوبِهِمْ مِنَ الْجَزَعِ وَالْهَلَعِ
“The Prophet ﷺ gave some people (Zakah) while leaving others, as he feared that they might fall into disbelief.” – (Bukhari 1470)
🔹 However, scholars say this category no longer applies today, as Islam is already established. Most scholars do not permit Zakah to non-Muslims today, except in the case of new Muslims.
Can Non-Muslims Receive Other Charity?
Even though non-Muslims cannot receive the Zakah, it is completely permissible to give them a general donation (Sadaqah), or a loan to alleviate their needs.
📜 The Prophet ﷺ said:
في كل كبد رطبة أجر
“In every living being, there is reward (for charity).” – (Bukhari 2466)
– This means general charity can be given to non-Muslims, especially for humanitarian aid, food, and kindness—but Zakah remains reserved for Muslims.
