Ruling on Transferring Zakat from One City to Another
Source: Fatawa Arkan-e-Islam
❀ Question:
What is the ruling on transferring zakat from one location to another?
❀ Answer:
Al-ḥamdu lillāh, waṣ-ṣalātu was-salāmu ʿalā Rasūlillāh. Ammā baʿd:
➊ It is permissible for a person to transfer zakat from one place to another, if there is a valid shar‘i or practical reason (maṣlaḥah).
❖ Examples of Valid Reasons:
✔ If deserving relatives reside in another city, it is allowed to send zakat to them.
✔ If the financial condition of people in the giver’s city is relatively stable, and the condition of people in another city is worse, then sending zakat to the more needy city is also permissible.
❖ When It Is Better Not to Transfer:
➤ However, if there is no specific or genuine reason to transfer zakat elsewhere,
➤ Then it is preferable to distribute zakat within the city of residence, as local needs should generally be prioritized.
Conclusion:
Zakat can be transferred to another city when a legitimate reason exists—such as helping needy relatives or supporting a more impoverished area.
But without such a reason, it is better to distribute it locally.
ھٰذَا مَا عِنْدِي وَاللّٰهُ أَعْلَمُ بِالصَّوَابِ
