Giving Zakah to the Du`ah wherever they are

Q: Respected shaykh! It is well known that the youth have a main role in the continuity of the benevolence of our Ummah (nation). On this basis, the Social Reform Association in Kuwait is expanding its Centers which are concerned with the youth. Is it permissible to spend the Zakah (obligatory charity) money on the construction of these Centers? Finally, we ask Allah to keep you availing our Ummah.

A: The Committee studied the question. It acquainted itself with the system of the mentioned association and was pleased with the objectives thereof. Nevertheless, the Committee decreed that it is not permissible to spend Zakah money in expanding such Centers because this is not included in the channels of spending Zakah which are stipulated in Allah's 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. 10; Page No. 51) May Allah grant us success. May peace and blessings be upon our Prophet Muhammad, his family, and Companions.