Short Answer

Zakat may only be given to non-Muslims who fall under the category of mu’allafa al-quloob.

Long Answer

From the outset, it is important to distinguish between sadaqa and zakat. Sadaqa is a voluntary charity without stringent conditions on how it must be used or dispensed. It can be used for any good cause without restrictions on the type of project or individual. Zakat, however, is an obligatory charity in Islam with specific conditions and can only be used on eligible recipients.

The Basic Principles of Zakat

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Zakat is intended to purify the wealth of Muslims and support various categories of recipients outlined in Surah At-Tawbah (9:60), including:
1. The poor (al-fuqara)
2. The needy (al-masakin)
3. Those employed to collect zakat (amilin alayha)
4. Those whose hearts are to be reconciled (muallafati qulubuhum)
5. Those in bondage (fi al-riqab)
6. Those in debt (al-gharimin)
7. In the cause of Allah (fi sabilillah)
8. The wayfarer (ibn al-sabil)

Categories of Mu’allafa al-Qulub

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According to the definitions presented in the books of the four mazhabs (schools of thought), the category of mu’allafa al-qulūb can be divided into six types of individuals:

1. Non-Muslims:
   ◦ Influential non-Muslims who may accept Islam if given zakat funds.
   ◦ Influential non-Muslims who, if given zakat funds, would help protect Islam and Muslims from their harm.

2. Muslims:
   ◦ Influential Muslim leaders who are new to Islam and need support to strengthen their faith.
   ◦ Influential Muslim leaders given zakat funds to impress their followers, encouraging them to accept Islam.
   ◦ Muslim tribes on the outskirts of Muslim lands who are incentivized to protect the community against invasions.
   ◦ Muslim tribes among other Muslims who are difficult for the government to collect zakat from. They are given zakat funds to help in the collection process on behalf of the state.

Opinions on Giving Zakat to Non-Muslims

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1. Hanafi School:
   ◦ The Hanafi mazhab holds that all six categories of mu’allafa al-qulūb are no longer eligible recipients of zakat. This was valid during the time of the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) but is no longer applicable after his demise, based on the consensus of the companions. The Hanafi jurists debate whether this was abrogated or if the reasoning (illah) for their eligibility no longer applies, but they agree that mu’allafa al-qulūb are not eligible for zakat funds.

2. Shafi’i School:
   ◦ The preferred view in the Shafi'i mazhab is that only the four categories of Muslims mentioned above are eligible for zakat, regardless of their financial status. Non-Muslims in the category of mu’allafa al-qulūb are not eligible.

3. Maliki School:
   ◦ The preferred opinion in the Maliki mazhab is that the non-Muslim categories of mu’allafa al-qulūb are generally ineligible for zakat due to the lack of need. However, the leader of the Muslims has the discretion to give zakat to these non-Muslim categories if deemed necessary.

4. Hanbali School:
   ◦ The Hanbali mazhab maintains that all six categories (both Muslims and non-Muslims) remain eligible to receive zakat if difficult circumstances plaguing the Muslims could be alleviated by giving to these groups. This position allows for flexibility based on prevailing needs and circumstances.

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Conclusion

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The issue of giving zakat to non-Muslims presents a spectrum of opinions within Islamic jurisprudence:
• Hanafi School: All six categories of mu’allafa al-qulūb are no longer considered eligible for zakat.
• Shafi'i School: Only the Muslim categories of mu’allafa al-qulūb are eligible for zakat.
• Maliki School: Non-Muslim categories of mu’allafa al-qulūb are generally ineligible, but the leader of the Muslims may give zakat to these categories if necessary.
• Hanbali School: All six categories remain eligible for zakat in circumstances where giving to these groups would alleviate difficulties faced by Muslims.
Depending on the madhab one follows, zakat may or may not be given to the aforementioned non-Muslims.
 

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