charity to non-Muslims

[Flower girl Muslima]

Can zakat and fidya be given to non-Muslims as well?

[N. Truth Seeker]

According to traditionalists, Zakah and Fidya must only be given to Muslims, not non-Muslims.  However,  Zakah-al-Fitr (charity specifically given in the month of Ramadan by all Muslims) and Sadaqa can be given to Muslims as well as non-Muslims.

But  it’s important to state that the Noble Quran does not give any reasons to assume that there are any differences between Zakah and Sadaqa.  The Final Message only states the act of giving and helping the needy which is mentioned in the Final Message as Zakah or Sadaqa or Fidya (given in Ramadan in lieu of fasting by those unable to fast ref.V.2:184) .  The Almighty also doesn’t mention anywhere that recipients of Zakah or Sadaqa or Fidya must be Muslims.  Even in regard to Fidya, Allah Almighty does not specify that the recipient must be a Muslim.   HE  refers to the recipient only as “Miskin” which means a poor person or a person in need. 

Another relevant point:  Presently in the 21st century when poverty and deprivation are high in Muslim communities, particularly Muslims living in non-Muslim countries as minorities who get no help from private institutions nor the mainstream people, it’s definitely advisable that those Muslims who are more affluent should give to their own community rather than outsiders.  This doesn’t mean that  you may not find non-Muslims who are also struggling, and in that case, if you have enough superfluous money do give to them as well by all means.  But it ought to be remembered that charity begins at home (an ideology which non-Muslim communities are also following) and therefore look to the needs of our own people first.

[Flower girl Muslima]

Makes lot of sense. thank u.