How is zakat to be paid on money that has reached the nisab and on which a full year (hawl) has passed for several years, given the existence of debts for marriage, a car loan, a bank loan in the brother's name, and a debt to a missing person?
Saved money is subject to zakat if a full year (hawl) has passed on it, starting from the moment it reached the nisab (minimum threshold). Whoever has not paid zakat for previous years must pay it immediately, as it does not lapse with time. One who was obligated to pay zakat and delayed it without a legitimate excuse has sinned, and must pay it even after years. He should pay the zakat for all the years for which the money was not purified. If in doubt, he should act based on his best estimation of the the amount of money and the number of years. Zakat becomes obligatory on saved money from the completion of the nisab and the passing of a full year, and it is to be paid for each year separately. The majority of scholars hold that debt exempts one from zakat on hidden wealth. So, when a full year passes, the amount of the debt is deducted from the owned money. If, after deduction, the remainder reaches the nisab, then zakat becomes obligatory on it. The nisab for banknotes is equivalent to 85 grams of gold or 595 grams of silver, and one-quarter of one-tenth (2.5%) must be paid.
Summarized from the full answer at Ftawy · reviewed Sep 2, 2026
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