The ruling on paying zakah to the victims of the famine in Somalia

Question:
The questioner says: You know what the Muslims in Somalia are facing, such as famine and other things. He asks: Is it permissible to give them zakah? And what is the appropriate means to deliver it to them?

Answer:
Zakah is an obligation upon the Muslim that he must pay to those who are entitled to it, either by paying it himself or by paying it through his trustworthy agent. As for the affairs in other countries, you do not know about them, and you do not know who will deliver it to them, so you cannot guarantee this. If you want to help the needy in Somalia or elsewhere, that is from voluntary charity, which is recommended. As for zakah, it has a specific ruling. You must place it in the place that Allah has commanded. “Give zakah” means pay it to those who are entitled to it. In His saying, the Exalted: to the end of the verse. This is a debt upon you. Your obligation is not discharged from it except when you place it in its proper place. Yes.