Is It Allowed to Send Zakat Abroad, or Is It Wrong to Do So?

Yes, it is permissible to send Zakat, including Zakat al-Fitr, to another country when necessary. 

While the preferred practice is distributing it locally, certain conditions allow for its transfer.

The General Principle:

• Zakat and Zakat al-Fitr should preferably be given in the country where the payer resides.
• This ensures that the local underprivileged community benefits from it.

When Sending Zakat Abroad Is Allowed:

• Lack of Local Zakat Recipients:

 If there are no eligible recipients in one’s country, it is permissible to transfer Zakat elsewhere.

• Greater Need in Another Country:

If people in another region are experiencing extreme poverty, disasters, or displacement, sending Zakat there is allowed.

• Helping Relatives:

Giving Zakat to needy relatives in another country is permissible, as it fulfills both charity and family obligations.

• Historical Precedent:

It is reported that Mu’adh ibn Jabal instructed the people of Yemen to provide Zakat in the form of clothing instead of grain. This was more convenient for them and more beneficial for the people of Medina. This demonstrates that transferring Zakat can be justified when there is a clear benefit.

• Scholarly Opinions:

Many scholars, including those from the Shafi’i school of thought, support the permissibility of transferring Zakat if needed. Imam An-Nawawi also stated that Zakat al-Fitr should be calculated based on where a person resides, rather than their place of origin.

• Ibn Taymiyyah’s View:

Ibn Taymiyyah mentioned that early scholars preferred Zakat to be distributed locally to maintain self-sufficiency within each region. However, he clarified that transferring Zakat to another location is allowed if there is a valid reason.

Some scholars reference the hadith stating that "Zakat should be taken from the wealthy and given to the poor among them." 

However, Islamic jurist Daqeeq Al-Eid explained that this hadith does not necessarily prohibit Zakat transfers. He stated that it refers to Muslims in general rather than restricting Zakat to a specific geographical location.

Hence, while the preferred practice is to distribute Zakat within one’s country, it is permissible to send it abroad when necessary. This includes situations such as a lack of local recipients, urgent humanitarian crises, or the presence of needy relatives. The ultimate goal is to ensure that Zakat reaches those who need it most.

And Allah knows best!