Sending Zakat to Another City or Country

Short answer: The default ruling is that zakat should be distributed among the poor of the local area where the wealth is located, as indicated by the Prophet's instruction to Mu'adh (Sahih al-Bukhari 1496, 1458, 1395). However, transferring zakat to another city or country is permissible when there is a legitimate need—such as supporting poor relatives in another place, when there are no deserving poor locally, or when there is a greater need or famine elsewhere. Giving zakat to needy relatives whom you are not obliged to support (e.g., brother, sister, uncle, nephew) is not only permissible but earns double reward (Sahih al-Bukhari 1466 as cited in P9). The Permanent Committee affirms this principle: if a pressing need exists, transfer is allowed. Note that zakat must reach the recipient or their authorized agent; mere sending does not discharge the obligation (P4). Evidence: 1. The Prophet ﷺ commanded Mu'adh in Yemen: “Take it from their rich and give it to their poor” (Sahih al-Bukhari 1496; also Sahih al-Bukhari 1458, 1395). This establishes the principle of prioritizing local poor. 2. The Permanent Committee (al-Lajnah al-Da'imah) states: the principle is to give to the poor of the locality, but transfer is permitted in cases of genuine need, such as poor relatives elsewhere, absence of local poor, or greater need (Fatawa al-Lajnah al-Da'imah, P2). 3. Giving zakat to needy relatives not under your obligatory maintenance is better, as it combines charity with upholding family ties (Permanent Committee and Shaykh al-Uthaymin, P9). Disclaimer: This fatwa is based on the provided evidence. For complex cases involving large sums or multiple parties, consult a qualified scholar.