Is it permissible to give Zakat to non-Muslims?

It is not permissible to give to disbelievers from the Zakat on wealth and produce, nor from Zakat al-Fitr, and it does not count for one who gives to them. However, it is permissible to give to their poor from general, non-obligatory charities and to exchange gifts and good deeds with them, as a way of reconciling their hearts, provided they are not aggressors. This is based on the Almighty's saying: "Allah does not forbid you from those who do not fight you because of religion and do not expel you from your homes — from being righteous toward them and acting justly toward them. Indeed, Allah loves those who act justly."

There is one category of Zakat recipients from which it is permissible to give to disbelievers, and that is "those whose hearts are to be reconciled." Thus, it is permissible to give from Zakat to their influential figures if there is hope that giving to them will lead to their embracing Islam, and subsequently, the Islam of those under their influence.