Question :
Is the wealth spent on a charity organization run by disbelievers considered as Sadaqah?
Answer :
If that wealth is of Zakah, then Allah says :
“Zakah expenditures are only for the poor and for the needy and for those employed to collect [zakah] and for bringing hearts together [for Islam] and for freeing captives [or slaves] and for those in debt and for the cause of Allah and for the [stranded] traveler – an obligation [imposed] by Allah . And Allah is the all Knowing and the Wise” Surah Tawbah:60
If there is a disbeliever whom we like to enter into Islam by giving from the zakah money then there is no problem in that. Imam ibnu katheer has mentioned that in his tafseer of the aforementioned ayah. If there is no benefit and hope of entering to Islam then that money should be spent upon Muslims not the kuffar. Because Allah says “don’t give your wealth to the foolish ones” the disbeliever is worst and more harmful than the foolish one. Even if it is for digging wells and rehabilitations the Muslims are more deserving
Answered by : Shaykh Abu Ishaq Muhammad Al Qaisee