Is it permissible to give zakah money to a wealthy man to perform Hajj or 'Umrah with it in order to win his heart?

The questioner : A man has zakah money. Is it permissible for him to give it to a man who does not need zakah, but if he gives it to him, he can use it, such as going for 'Umrah or something else, and his heart will be won over? Is this considered under the category of "those whose hearts are to be reconciled"?

The Shaykh : Is he wealthy or poor?

The questioner : He is in the middle, meaning he is not poor.

The Shaykh : I do not understand "in the middle." Tell me, is he wealthy or poor?

The questioner : He is not poor, but his money is not sufficient for him to go for 'Umrah on his own.

The Shaykh : Do not use political terms in matters of knowledge that can be pulled to the right or to the left. If he is not poor, then he is wealthy.

The questioner : Yes, he is rich.

The Shaykh : Then it is not permissible.

The questioner : Even if it is for the sake of reconciling hearts?

The Shaykh : I know that "those whose hearts are to be reconciled" was abolished by our master 'Umar (may Allah be pleased with him) because he said that Islam no longer has a need for those whose hearts are to be reconciled. My point is that I do not see this as abrogated, but I see that there are people more in need of it, such as the poor and the needy. And peace be upon you.