Giving Zakah to charitable societies

A: Zakah has to be paid to the categories which Allah (Glorified and Exalted be he) has specified by His Saying: As-Sadaqât (here it means Zakât) are only for the Fuqarâ’ (poor), and the Masâkin (needy) and those employed to collect (the funds), and to attract the hearts of those who have been inclined (towards Islâm), and to free the captives, and for those in debt, and for Allâh’s Cause, and for the wayfarer (a traveller who is cut off from everything) , (Part No. 8; Page No. 436) Zakah money should be given directly to the poor in order for them to be able to meet their needs. It is not permissible to spend Zakah on the above-mentioned projects, because this will delay the process of its payment to the poor and will not enable them to benefit from it in meeting their needs.May Allah grant us success. May peace and blessings be upon our Prophet Muhammad, his family, and Companions.