Can funds designated for Zakat be given to a non-Muslim (Dhimmi) or a slave?
Chapter on Zakat on Sheep
Al-Mughni
Book of Zakat
Primary text
Zakat funds designated for the poor among Muslims are not to be given to a non-Muslim (Dhimmi). The consensus of scholars whose views are known is that a Dhimmi should not receive anything from the Zakat of wealth. The evidence cited is the Prophet's instruction to Mu'adh: 'Inform them that they have a charity to be taken from their wealthy and returned to their poor,' which specifically restricts the distribution to the poor among Muslims, just as the obligation is restricted to their wealthy. Furthermore, Zakat cannot be given to a slave because anything given to him is considered to be given to his master, as the master is responsible for the slave's sustenance, making the slave wealthy through his master's wealth.