From the categories of zakah: those whose hearts are to be reconciled; is it permissible to give zakah to one of the sinners in exchange for his attendance at prayer, on the basis that he is among those whose hearts are to be reconciled?

The questioner : Shaykh, among the categories of zakah to which zakah is distributed are those whose hearts are to be reconciled; is it possible in this era for some people to offer to give a portion of their zakah, or to make their zakah a payment to some of the sinners, by saying—for example—to one who leaves off prayer: “Come to the mosque and pray, and I will give you half a dinar for every prayer, whether little or much”...?

The Shaykh : No, in this manner it is not permissible; because this is the price of his prayer. As for giving to him to reconcile his heart, that is naturally a possibility, and this is part of the wisdom of the legislation. But in the form you mentioned, no.