It is not permissible to use Zakat funds for the construction or renovation of mosques, Islamic centers, or schools. The recipients of Zakat are explicitly defined and limited by Allah in the Qur'an, and these projects do not fall into any of the specified categories.

Shaykh Ibn Baz explained that Zakat must be distributed only to the eight categories of people that Allah has mentioned in His Book. The construction of mosques, while a great act of piety and a form of ongoing charity (sadaqah jariyah), must be funded from other charitable donations (sadaqah), not from the obligatory Zakat.

The Shaykh clarified the meaning of the category 'in the cause of Allah' (fi sabilillah), explaining that the majority of scholars have interpreted this to refer specifically to jihad in the way of Allah, and it does not extend to general charitable projects like building mosques. Some scholars have expanded the meaning of 'fi sabilillah', but the more cautious and correct view is to restrict it to what the text most clearly indicates.

Therefore, a Muslim should pay their Zakat to the eligible poor and needy, debtors, and the other categories mentioned in the verse. For projects like building a mosque, one should donate from their non-Zakat wealth. This ensures that the obligation of Zakat is discharged correctly and according to the divine injunctions.