Spending zakat on works of public welfare

Question

May zakat money be spent on works of public welfare or not? For example, digging a well, building a caravanserai, a room for students to live in, and so on.

Answer

It is not valid to spend zakat money on the purposes mentioned. If, however, the zakat is given to someone entitled to it (mustahiqq), and he then, after taking possession, gives it of his own free will to the purposes mentioned, then spending it (in this way) is valid.

Source: Fatawa Mahmudiyya

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