Question: In our lands after Jummah, some beggars who are disbelievers stand [to ask for money]. Is it allowed for us to give them charity?
Answer: “As for voluntary charity then yes they are given. As for the obligatory charity [Zakat] then no they are not given. However, if it is to attract their hearts towards Islam, then it is allowed to give them the Zakat. This is because one of the ways Zakat is spent is to attract the hearts of those who have been inclined (towards Islam). However, for the likes of these beggars they are given other than Zakat”.
[Sharh Tirmidhi no. 87]
Translated by
Faisal Ibn Abdul Qaadir Ibn Hassan
Abu Sulaymaan
