It is not permissible to give zakah to kaafirs except if it is to attract the hearts of those who have been inclined towards Islam

It is not permissible to give zakah to a kafir except if it is to attract the hearts of those who have been inclined towards Islam. 

Ibn Qudaamah said in al-Mughni (4/106): 

We do not know of any difference of opinion among the scholars regarding the fact that zakah cannot be given to a kafir. Ibn al-Mundhir said: Everyone from whom we acquired knowledge among the scholars is agreed that a dhimmi (non-Muslim living under Muslim rule) cannot be given anything from the zakah, because the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) said to Mu’aadh: “Teach them that they are obliged to give zakah, to be taken from their rich and given to their poor.” He specified that it was to be given to their poor, i.e., the poor Muslims, just as he specified that it was to be taken from their rich. End quote. 

If a kafir is one of those who is inclined towards Islam, then he may be given something from the zakah, 

Allah says (interpretation of the meaning): 

“As-Sadaqaat (here it means Zakah) are only for the Fuqaraa’ (poor), and Al‑Masaakeen(the poor) and those employed to collect (the funds); and to attract the hearts of those who have been inclined (towards Islam); and to free the captives; and for those in debt; and for Allah’s Cause (i.e. for Mujaahidoon — those fighting in a holy battle), and for the wayfarer (a traveller who is cut off from everything); a duty imposed by Allah. And Allah is All-Knower, All-Wise” [al-Tawbah 9:60]

It is permissible to give zakah to a kafir, if we hope that by giving him something he will become Muslim.  

See al-Sharh al-Mumti’, 6/143-145 

Ibn Qudaamah said in al-Mughni, 4/108: 

The kafir should not be given anything of the zakah unless he is one of those who are inclined towards Islam. 

It says in al-Mawsoo’ah (14/233): 

Zakah may be given to a kafir who we hope will become Muslim, to encourage him to become Muslim because he is inclined towards Islam. End quote. 

Shaykh Ibn Baaz was asked: 

Is it correct to give zakah to a dhimmi? 

He replied:

 According to the majority of scholars, zakah cannot be given to a dhimmi or any other kafir. This is the correct view, and there are many verses and ahaadeeth which speak of this. Zakah is a means of help given by the Muslims to their poor, and to take care of their needs, so it must be distributed among their own poor and others among the eight categories mentioned in the verse, unless there are kafirs who it is hoped will become Muslim, namely the leaders who are obeyed among their tribes, who may be given zakah in order to encourage them to become Muslim, or so that they will withhold their evil from the Muslims. Zakah may also be given to new Muslims, to strengthen their faith or to encourage their peers to become Muslim too, or for other reasons that have been stated by the scholars. 

The basic principle concerning that is the verse in which Allah says (interpretation of the meaning): 

“As-Sadaqaat (here it means Zakah) are only for the Fuqaraa’ (poor), and Al‑Masaakeen(the poor) and those employed to collect (the funds); and to attract the hearts of those who have been inclined (towards Islam)…”

[al-Tawbah 9:60]

And the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) said to Mu’aadh ibn Jabal when he sent him to Yemen: 

“Call them to testify that there is no god but Allah and that I am the Messenger of Allah. If they obey you in that, then teach them that Allah has enjoined upon them five prayers each day and night. If they obey you in that, then teach them that Allah has enjoined upon them charity (i.e., zakah) to be taken from their rich and given to their poor.” Agreed upon. 

See also question no. 21384.