Mu' meneen Brothers and Sisters,

As Salaam Aleikum wa Rahmatullahi wa Barakatuh.  (May Allah's Peace, Mercy and Blessings be upon all of you)

One of our brothers/sisters has asked this question:

Dear Brother in Islam,

AssalamoAlekum,

I am reading the questions&answers for sometime.May Allah(swt)give you jaza for doing such a good service.I have  a question,actually I am a little confused about that.Paying Zakat on Jewellery------I heard that we have to pay it as a whole amount during the month of Ramadan.I used to pay it a little by little every month,as I can`t afford to pay it as a whole.So can we pay it in either way or it has to be paid on one time.I hope I will get the answer soon.

JazakumAllahuKhairan.

A sister in Islam.

(There may be some grammatical and spelling errors in the above statement. The forum does not change anything from questions, comments and statements received from our readers for circulation in confidentiality.)

Answer:

Can Zakaat be paid in instalments?

In the name of Allah, We praise Him, seek His help and ask for His forgiveness. Whoever Allah guides none can misguide, and whoever He allows to fall astray, none can guide them aright. We bear witness that there is no one (no idol, no person, no grave, no prophet, no imam, no dai, nobody!) worthy of worship but Allah Alone, and we bear witness that Muhammad(saws) is His slave-servant and the seal of His Messengers.

It is absolutely permissible for the believers to pay the zakat dues in one lump sum, or in any form of installments spread over the year as they wish; provided the zakat dues are paid in one calendar year.

The reason most people prefer to pay their full zakat dues during the month of Ramadan, is because Ramadan is a blessed and holy month, and every good deed done in Ramadan has a manifold increase in the sight of Allah Subhanah, as compared to good deeds done in other months. But if for any reason, one wishes to pay his zakat dues in other months, it is absolutely legal and within the limits of Shariah.

Whatever written of Truth and benefit is only due to Allah’s Assistance and Guidance, and whatever of error is of me. Allah Alone Knows Best and He is the Only Source of Strength.

Your Brother in Islam,

Burhan