Is it permissible to give charity (sadaqah) and zakat to non-Muslims?

It is permissible to give charity to non-Muslims in order to soften their hearts towards Islam and in hope of their conversion, whether it be from zakat or voluntary charity. As for other cases, a Muslim may show kindness to a non-Muslim through voluntary charity, but zakat is not permissible for them, unless they are among those whose hearts are to be reconciled (al-mu'allafati qulubuhum), 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.) And His saying when describing those eligible for zakat: (and those whose hearts are to be reconciled).