Pay Zakah every year on shares

Q 9: In the past we used to give our employees and workers a one month bonus in Ramadan. We gave them this money intending it to be Zakah. Some of them have a right to receive Zakah; others are non-Muslims, but we gave it to them to attract their hearts to Islam and to show them the justice of the religion. We gave them the same amount as we gave to the Muslims, as they all live and work in the same place, and because we hoped to attract their hearts to Islam. Is this permissible, and if not, what should we do?

A: It is not acceptable to give Zakah to people who do not have a right to it. (Part No. 9; Page No. 343) You, therefore, have to give it once again to those people who do have a right to it. As for the Muslim workers and employees who have a right to receive Zakah, it is acceptable to give it to them, unless you just give it to them with the intention of giving generously in the month of Ramadan or with the intention of purifying your money. In this case it will not count as your Zakah, whether you distribute it from Zakah money or from any other money.May Allah grant us success. May peace and blessings be upon our Prophet Muhammad, his family, and Companions.