The Practising Muslim · Fiqh of Zakah

Zakah Rulings and Conditions

Explore specific scenarios affecting zakah obligations and distributions.

8 questions · Medium · about 4 minutes

Test yourself properly, with scoring and instant feedback.

8 questions, about 4 minutes.

Take the quiz
Show questions and answers Spoilers: every answer and explanation for all 8 questions.

1. Does debt cancel the obligation of zakah on wealth that has reached the nisab?

  • No, zakah is still due; a due debt may be paid first if it is due before zakah. (correct answer)
  • Yes, any debt cancels zakah completely.
  • Yes, debt cancels zakah only on cash.
  • No, but the person must pay zakah on factory machinery used for work.

Why

According to the view cited, debt does not cancel zakah on zakatable wealth. If a debt is due before zakah is due, it may be paid first, then zakah is paid on what remains. Factory products and trade goods are zakatable, but machinery and fixtures kept for use are not.

View source on IslamQA →

2. Why is zakah not obligatory on a slave?

  • Because a slave does not own property independently. (correct answer)
  • Because zakah is only for adults.
  • Because zakah applies only to land.
  • Because the amount is half the normal zakah rate.

Why

One condition for zakah is ownership of the nisab with full control. A slave does not own property independently; whatever he has belongs to his master. Therefore zakah is not obligatory upon the slave, but would be due from the owner if the conditions are met.

View source on IslamQA →

3. What is the ruling on giving zakat al-fitr with the condition that it be returned to the giver?

  • It is forbidden because it is a trick to restore the zakah to the giver. (correct answer)
  • It is permissible if both families agree.
  • It is recommended because it keeps wealth circulating.
  • It depends only on whether the giver intended kindness.

Why

Zakah must be given willingly to those entitled to it. The giver may not stipulate that the recipient return it or give back something equivalent. Such a condition is treated as a trick to bring the zakah back to the giver, so it is not valid.

View source on IslamQA →

4. May zakat al-fitr be given to a poor relative who owns a small piece of land?

  • Yes, if the relative is still poor and eligible. (correct answer)
  • No, owning any land always prevents receiving zakah.
  • Only if the land is sold first.
  • Only if the land is worth less than the zakat al-fitr amount.

Why

A poor relative may receive zakat al-fitr if they are eligible and the giver is not obligated to spend on them. Owning a small piece of land does not automatically make the person free of need, although selling it may be better if it would make them independent.

View source on IslamQA →

5. If a father cannot afford to support his needy married daughter, what is the more prudent way to give zakah for her needs?

  • Give it to her husband, because he is responsible for her maintenance. (correct answer)
  • Give it directly to her in every case, even if he must support her.
  • Do not give anything, because married daughters can never benefit from zakah.
  • Give it only as a loan, not zakah.

Why

A father normally should not give zakah to his daughter to cover basic needs if he is obligated and able to support her. But if he cannot afford her maintenance, some scholars allowed giving zakah to her. The more prudent approach mentioned is to give it to her husband, since he is responsible for spending on her.

View source on IslamQA →

6. When may a father give zakah to help his son with marriage expenses?

  • When the father cannot afford those marriage expenses himself. (correct answer)
  • Whenever the son wants a larger wedding.
  • Never, even if the father cannot afford to help.
  • Only if the son already owes the father money.

Why

A father is normally obligated to arrange his son’s marriage if the son needs it and the father can afford it, so he cannot use zakah to avoid that obligation. But if the father cannot afford those expenses, then they are not obligatory upon him, and giving zakah for that purpose is allowed.

View source on IslamQA →

7. When does a woman have to pay zakah on delayed dowry that she has not yet received?

  • When she can take possession of it and one Hijri year passes, if it reaches the nisab. (correct answer)
  • Immediately when the marriage contract is signed.
  • Never, because dowry is always exempt from zakah.
  • Only if she spends it on furniture.

Why

A delayed dowry is treated like a debt owed to the wife. If the husband is able and willing to pay and she can claim it, zakah is due on it like wealth she can access. If she cannot claim it, such as a delayed portion due only at divorce or death, no zakah is due until she receives it, though paying one year to be safe was mentioned.

View source on IslamQA →

8. When is paying zakah before its due date allowed?

  • After owning the nisab, especially if there is a need or benefit. (correct answer)
  • Before the wealth reaches the nisab.
  • Only when a bank pays it on the person’s behalf.
  • Never; zakah cannot be paid early.

Why

Paying zakah early is permissible according to the correct view cited, as long as the person already owns the nisab. However, it is better not to pay early unless there is a reason, such as a serious need among the poor. If the person later owns more wealth, zakah is still due on the additional amount.

View source on IslamQA →

A note on these answers

These questions are for learning and self-testing. Explanations are drawn from the sources linked on each question and are not a fatwa. For a ruling on your own circumstances, please consult a qualified scholar.

More in Fiqh of Zakah

Browse all 281 quizzes or explore guidance topics.