Is it a priority to give Zakah here locally, to the needy in the UK or to the poor abroad?

Q: Is it a priority to give Zakāh here locally, to the needy in the UK or to the poor abroad?

الجواب حامدا ومصليا ومسلما ومنه الصدق والصواب

A: There are several competing reasons as to how and where we should pay our Zakāh. For example: it is commendable to distribute Zakāh amongst relatives as this also strengthens kinship ties. On the other hand the need of an unrelated poor person may be greater than that of a relative. Similarly, the need of someone abroad may be greater than that of someone in the UK and vice versa. Therefore, whilst one will receive reward regardless of whether one gives Zakāh here locally or abroad, the reward will be most where the need is greatest.

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