Paying Zakah to cooperative offices for Da`wah and guidance

A: It is obligatory to give Zakah to any of the eight categories of Zakah recipients as prescribed by Allah (Glorified and Exalted be He) (Part No. 8; Page No. 427) in the Ayah (Qur'anic verse) that reads: As-Sadaqât (here it means Zakât) are only for the Fuqarâ’ (poor), and the Masâkin (needy) ... (Surah Al-Tawbah 9:60). A person liable for Zakah should give it personally to those deserving it or deputize a trustworthy person to assign it to any of such categories on their behalf. In this regard, Zakah may not be allocated to buying books or similar charitable activities as this runs counter to the text of the above-quoted Ayah. Moreover, persons referred to above are not included in the category of those whose hearts are to be attracted to Islam, as it refers to chieftains of high and respectable tribal esteem.May Allah grant us success. May peace and blessings be upon our Prophet Muhammad, his family, and Companions.