Q: What is the ruling on giving recent Muslim converts some gifts, or some money to reconcile their hearts to Islam though they are wealthy. The money given may be of the Zakah (obligatory charity) money. May Allah reward you with the best, do justice to you and benefit others with your knowledge.

A: If those who have recently converted to Islam are chiefs and notable figures in their communities, they are of Al-Mu'allafati Qulubuhm (those whose hearts are inclined to Islam) whom Allah mentioned (in the Qur'an) among the Zakah recipients, when He (Exalted be He) says: ...And for bringing hearts together (for Islam). It is permissible to give them from the Zakah to strengthen their faith and encourage others to embrace Islam. Likewise, it is permissible if they are poor (Part No. 11; Page No. 39) to give them from the Zakah due to their poverty. However, the Zakah money should not be used for buying gifts or the like, and those people should be given from the same kind of the collected Zakah. With respect to Sadaqah (voluntary charity), it is not permissible to give it but in the charitable ways that a giver of Sadaqah appoints, so if those people come under a category which the giver of Sadaqah appoints, or are permitted to be given, it is permissible to do this to fulfill the said interest. Otherwise, it is not permissible to give them from the Sadaqah.May Allah grant us success. May peace and blessings be upon our Prophet Muhammad, his family, and Companions.