He was asked:

“Is it permissible to give zakat to people affiliated with shaykhs, or not?”

He replied:

Section

As for zakat, one should carefully seek out those entitled to it among the poor, the needy, those in debt, and others who are religiously observant and follow the Sharia. Whoever openly displays religious innovation or wickedness deserves punishment through shunning and other measures, and should be called to repent. How, then, can he be helped in such conduct?

As for someone who takes zakat and spends it as he chooses, or spends it on his dependants despite being wealthy, it is not permissible to give it to him, nor does giving it to him discharge the giver’s obligation. Rather, zakat must be given only to someone entitled to it, or to someone who will deliver it to those entitled to it, such as someone with knowledge