Distribute Zakah outside the city where we live

A: Firstly: Establishing a charitable fund to help the poor is regarded as a good deed, as it involves doing good for the poor, comforting them, and meeting their needs, all of which is in conformity with the following Ayah (Qur'anic verse): Help you one another in Al-Birr and At-Taqwâ (virtue, righteousness and piety) There are also many religious texts from the Qur'an and Sunnah (whatever is reported from the Prophet) that encourage maintaining the ties of kinship and supporting the poor and needy. Secondly: If the man who trades in tobacco has another source of income or earnings other than from this tobacco business, then it is permissible for you to accept the money he donates (Part No. 9; Page No. 449) to the fund. But if he has no source of income other than from the tobacco business, you should not accept his donation, because his gains are detestable, and Allah only accepts agreeable gains. In either situation, it is your duty to advise him to leave the tobacco and other forbidden businesses. You should tell him there are many ways of earning a lawful living, and anyone who leaves unlawful gains through fear of Allah, He will be compensated with better, as whoever fears Allah - He will make for him a way out. And He will provide him from (sources) he never could imagine. And whosoever puts his trust in Allah, then He will suffice him. Thirdly: If the money collected in this fund is distributed to the poor and needy people and the other categories of people entitled to receive Zakah, it is permissible for you to give your Zakah money to this fund, as long as it is only given to some or all of the eight legal categories; otherwise, it is not be permissible to give any of your Zakah money to this fund.May Allah grant us success. May peace and blessings be upon our Prophet Muhammad, his family, and Companions.