SECTION ON ZAKAT · 34 – GIVING CHARITY TO PEOPLE OF THE CONTRACT (Dhimmi)
From Asma (may Allah be pleased with her): Concerning the treaty of Hudaibiyya during the time of the Quraysh. My mother came to me, missing me, while she was a disbelieving polytheist who had turned away from Islam. I asked the Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings upon him): “O Messenger of Allah, my mother has come to me as a disbelieving polytheist. Should I maintain family ties with her? Should I give her charity? Should I fulfill the duties of kinship?”
The Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings upon him) said: "Yes, maintain family ties with your mother, and fulfill the duties of kinship towards her." [497]
EXPLANATION
The term *sila* in this hadith refers to charity. Zakat is not given to those under protection (*ahl al-dhimma*). This is the right of a poor believer.