May One Give Zakat Or Sadaqah Al-Fitr To Those Who Commit Haram Actions Such As Drinking Alcohol And Gambling?

May one give zakat or sadaqah al-fitr to those who commit haram actions such as drinking alcohol and gambling?

As expressed in the 60th verse of Surah al-Tawbah, zakat is given to eight categories of people, prioritizing the poor and needy. Even though it is advised to prioritize the poor and needy with religious sensitivity, it may be also given to people who commit some unlawful acts with the condition of being Muslim.

While giving zakat to a poor person who commits unlawful acts considering his/her family’s needs, if s/he is predicted to use zakat for haram acts, it would be more appropriate to give zakat as support of foodstuff or clothing rather than cash money.

Source: Presidency Of Religious Affairs The Turkey, High Board of Religious Affairs FATWA