Is it permissible to pay money to assist a non-Muslim in accepting Islam?

There is no harm in giving a gift to a disbeliever (kafir) from whom conversion to Islam is hoped, if the intention is to incline him towards Islam and encourage him therein. The Sharia (definition) has commanded this and has made "those whose hearts are to be reconciled" (al-mu'allafatu qulubuhum) one of the expenditures of zakat (definition). The majority of scholars hold that "those whose hearts are to be reconciled" are still counted among the expenditures of zakat, and it is given to those whose conversion to Islam is hoped, or whose evil is to be averted, or whose gift is hoped to strengthen their faith. The disbeliever whose conversion to Islam is hoped may be given from zakat, even if he is rich, for the sake of the life of his heart and his life in this world and the hereafter. As for disbelievers from whom conversion to Islam is not hoped, they are not given.