Some persons have lately claimed that Zakaat can be given to non-Muslims.

Answer

In the initial phase of Islam it was permissible to give Zakaat to such kuffaar who were inclined to Islam. However, since the era of Hadhrat Umar's khilaafat, this has been abrogated. Hadhrat Umar (Radhiyallahu anhu) abrogating this rule, said: "Now for the kuffaar there is only Islam or the Sword." Ijma' of the Sahaabah and the Ummah was enacted on this verdict. Those who promote giving Zakaat to non-Muslims are zindeeqs.