He has some money for university expenses and one full hijri year has passed – does he have to pay zakaah on it?
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One of our brothers/sisters has asked this question:
I am a Master’s student and I am paying for my studies from my own pocket. My father gave me some money to use for my studies, and I am living on it, and my studies will take approximately two years. My question is about the money that my father gave me: when one year has passed on what is left of it, do I have to pay zakaah on it? Please note that this money is not enough for me to complete my studies and I am going to ask my father for more money.
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Answer:
Praise be to Allaah.
If the money that you have left reaches the nisaab, and one year has passed, then it is subject to zakaah, even if it is being kept for your living expenses or study fees, because of the general meaning of the evidence that indicates that zakaah becomes obligatory when the conditions for it are met.
The nisaab is the equivalent of 85 grams of gold or 595 grams of silver, and the rate that must be paid is 2.5%, which is a small amount, praise be to Allaah, in addition to the blessing and growth that it brings to the one who pays zakaah. Allaah says (interpretation of the meaning):
“Take Sadaqah (alms) from their wealth in order to purify them and sanctify them with it, and invoke Allaah for them. Verily, your invocations are a source of security for them; and Allaah is All-Hearer, All-Knower”
[al-Tawbah 9:103]
And the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) said: “Charity does not decrease wealth.” Narrated by Muslim (2588).
And Allaah knows best.
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.
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