Q: Is it permissible to give zakāt al maal to a charity even if it operates in other countries?
الجواب حامدا ومصليا ومسلما ومنه الصدق والصواب
A: All things being equal one should distribute one’s zakat in the immediate locality of the zakātable wealth. Failure to do so is reprehensible but not prohibited. However, if there is reason to distribute one’s zakat beyond the immediate locality of the zakātable wealth, e.g., to relatives, or to the more needy, or to the more upright and righteous, or for greater benefit, etc. then there is no reprehensibility whatsoever. On the contrary, it may even be necessary, according to one opinion, in certain circumstances.