Zakaat to non-muslim organisation

Question ID: 
93
Abo*** asks:

Question

Assalamoalaikumwarahmatullahwabarakatoho.The blessed month of Ramadan is upon us again,my douah that we all will benefit from the Rehmat of the Almighty ameen. My question-The water company in England has a dedicated team that caters for the welfare of the poor and needy all over the world,they are currently working on a project to supply fresh water to isolated villages in Asia,Africa and other countries,it is not a Muslim organisation or of any other denomination,it is just part of a big corporation, am I allowed to donate zakaat money towards this project? zajakumula kher

Answer

Wa alaikumus salaam warahmatullahi wabarakaatuh. There are rules, regulations and conditions that should be strictly observed whilst giving zakaat for the zakaat to be valid. Even Muslims and Muslim Organizations are not fully aware of these conditions. So it is necessary and incumbent upon you to remit your zakaat to those Ulama or Muslim Organizations who will observe the conditions for the validity of zakaat. Non-Muslim Organizations are out of question even if they know the rules and regulations. For your information the beneficiary of zakaat should be Muslims. Zakaat given to non-muslims are not valid. You may help them with voluntary donations.