Refresher & Advanced · Worship Refresher

Zakah Timing and Rulings

Understand when zakah is due on various assets and financial situations.

2 questions · Hard · about 4 minutes

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2 questions, about 4 minutes.

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1. What is subject to zakah in a hospital project that is still under construction?

  • Remaining cash after a Hijri year, items prepared for sale, and later accumulated income. (correct answer)
  • The hospital building and equipment kept for use.
  • Nothing at all until the hospital opens.
  • The construction materials and devices every year even if they are kept for use.

Why

If a hospital building, equipment, devices, and fittings are kept for operation and not for sale, then there is no zakah on those fixed assets. Zakah is due on remaining construction cash if a full Hijri year passes and some remains. Once there are goods prepared for sale, such as medicines, their value is assessed as trade goods and zakah is paid at 2.5%. After the hospital operates, accumulated income and collectible debts are assessed at the end of the zakah year.

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2. When does zakah become due on wealth that reaches the nisab?

  • When a full Hijri year has passed since acquiring it. (correct answer)
  • Immediately as soon as it reaches the nisab.
  • Only in Ramadan.
  • Only when the owner feels financially comfortable.

Why

Zakah becomes due when wealth reaches the nisab and a full Hijri year passes. Zakah must be paid promptly when it becomes due unless there is a valid excuse. Profits that result from invested capital follow the year of the original capital. Trade goods are valued at their market value when zakah becomes due, and zakah is paid at 2.5%. Personal and partnership wealth may be combined for zakah calculation, and if a person cannot pay immediately, the zakah remains a debt he must pay when able.

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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.

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