The Ruling on Giving Zakah to Associations and Transferring It

Question:
Yes, and regarding giving the zakah, as you mentioned, to charitable associations, associations of benevolence, and associations for memorizing the Noble Qur'an, as well as donating it outside the Kingdom, is that permissible?

Answer:
As for giving it to associations, associations may not pay attention to the matter of zakah; they may mix it with other funds and delay its disbursement. It is a trust in the responsibility of the one paying zakah, and an obligation in his responsibility. Therefore, he must ensure that the zakah reaches the needy in its due time, at the time it becomes obligatory, and is paid to the needy. He should not entrust this to someone else who does not know whether they will fulfill the obligation or not. He should disburse it himself or appoint someone he trusts to deliver it to the needy at the time his zakah becomes obligatory. One does not feel reassured about many of these associations regarding their performance of this task; rather, they receive the money and accumulate it, and it may be delayed, or they may mix it with other things and spend it in other than its proper channels, such as spending it on projects that are not among the categories of zakah. Therefore, one does not feel reassured about this. As for transferring the zakah to another country, as long as there are needy people in the country, they are more deserving. The Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings be upon him) said: So, in the first place, the zakah is for the poor of the country where the money is located.
If there are no poor people in this country where the money is, or where the one paying zakah resides, then it is transferred to the nearest country to it, to a country where there are needy people. Yes.

The presenter:
May Allah bless you,