Answered by Shaykh Abu Usamah
Is it permissible to give zakat to charities who operate in places like Somalia and Afghanistan, knowing that they would not give the money directly to the people, but would rather fulfill their needs with the money (i.e. buying them food, clothing, etc.)? It seems that giving somebody hard cash in refugee camps (especially displaced by war) would do little to help them since they are usually isolated from cities, farms, etc. and need someone to bring them needed materials from elsewhere.
Answer:
Al-Salam alaykum
Zakah can be given in cash or kind to the deserving recipient.
Abu Usamah