Was the zakat withheld from those whose hearts are to be reconciled (Al-Mu'allafatu Qulubuhum) during the era of Umar ibn Al-Khattab, may Allah be pleased with him?

It is narrated from Umar and Uthman, may Allah be pleased with them, that they did not give to those whose hearts are to be reconciled (al-mu'allafah qulubuhum) from the zakat. This is because the purpose of the share for al-mu'allafah qulubuhum is to reconcile hearts, or to avert evil, or to strengthen a Muslim's faith. If Muslims are in a state of strength and do not need them, then they are not given. However, the ruling remains if there are those whose reconciliation Muslims need.

Those whose hearts are to be reconciled are divided into disbelievers and Muslims, and all of them are prominent figures obeyed by their people. Disbelievers: either those whose conversion to Islam is hoped for, so they are given to strengthen their intention, or those whose evil is feared, so they are given to avert their evil. As for Muslims, they are four categories: prominent figures whose counterparts' conversion to Islam or good intentions are hoped for by giving to them; prominent figures whose strength of faith and sincere advice in jihad are hoped for by giving to them; a group on the borders of Muslim lands who defend Muslims; and a group who collect zakat from those who would not give it except through fear.

It has been established that the Messenger of Allah, peace and blessings be upon him, gave to al-mu'allafah qulubuhum from both polytheists and Muslims, and Abu Bakr also did so. Therefore, this ruling cannot be abrogated by the actions of Umar and Uthman, as perhaps they did not need to give to them in their time.

Based on this, the share for al-mu'allafah qulubuhum remains if there are those whose reconciliation Muslims need; otherwise, it is not obligatory to give to them.