Is it permissible to give money from zakat funds to a girl who will embrace Islam—she works serving alcoholic beverages and cannot wear the hijab at work—with the intention of "reconciling hearts" (al-mu'allafah qulubuhum) to help her start her own business? And must she embrace Islam first to be eligible for zakat? And must her commitment to Islam be confirmed before giving her zakat? Or is it better to give the money as charity if there is disagreement about its permissibility from zakat?

Scholars differed regarding giving a share of Zakat to those whose hearts are to be reconciled ( al-mu'allafatu qulubuhum ): is it a condition that the individual be a revered leader, or not? The Madhhab (i.e., the Hanbali school) stipulates this, because the Prophet (peace be upon him) gave to prominent figures and dignitaries, and because the disbelief of a common person does not harm the Muslims, unlike that of leaders. As for strengthening faith and hoping for the acceptance of Islam, the view that it is permissible to give to someone who is not a revered leader is a strong one. Its evidence is that the Messenger (peace be upon him) used to give to those who had embraced Islam so that their faith would increase. Accordingly, giving Zakat to the aforementioned woman is permissible based on the strong view, and it is not a condition to ascertain the strength of her faith after her conversion to Islam.