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 Mr Burhan

Thank you for your reply.  But what if I dont have any extra money currently in hand to pay the Zakath for this apartment's current value?  Currently my monthly income is earmarked for the monthly installment of the apartment + whatever household expenses I have.  How do I pay Zakath when there is no extra money?  And the only way of paying Zakath would probably be stopping/diverting the installment payment for this month but which could pose problems with the apartment Builders as I need to meet their obligations as well.  Could you pls advise.  Thanks.

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Answer:

How to pay zakah no money

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 none worthy of worship but Allah Alone, and we bear witness that Muhammad (saws) is His slave-servant and the seal of His Messengers.

Your Question: ….But what if I dont have any extra money currently in hand to pay the Zakath for this apartment's current value?

Respected brother, the annual zakah is indeed due, whether you have the cash in hand to fulfill the zakah or not.

If you do not have spare cash at the moment to fulfill your zakah obligations for the year, you have a couple of options:

1. You might need to sell or liquidate some of your excess assets and use the cash to fulfill your zakah obligations for the year.
2. You also have the option to calculate the exact amount of zakah due for this year, and since you do not have the cash now, and you hope to have some cash later in the year or the next year, you may fulfill your zakah obligations then when cash is available unto you.

The amount of zakah due from you will remain a debt unto Allah Subhanah until you fulfill it.

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

Your brother and well wisher in Islam,

Burhan