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:

Respected Maulavi Sahib,

I am working in an Indian School, Qatar. In February 2006, the Management of the school has issued me a letter stating that an amount of Qatari Riyals 8683.00 has been kept in abeyance towards my gratuity which I will be getting at the time leaving Qatar for good. Since one year is already over and I am still in service, is it necessary to pay Zakat for this amount ? I feel to pay Zakat, but there was a debate from among my Muslim colleagues that Zakat to this amount need be paid only when I receive the money in hand.

Please enlighten me on this matter.

(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:

Zakah on possession of wealth

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.

Zakah is only applicable on one’s excess wealth in Shariah if it has been in one’s possession for a period of one full calendar year. Since you have not actually received your gratuity, you obviously do not have possession of that portion of your asset….thus you will not be liable to pay zakah on it until you actually receive it and the amount has been in your possession for a period of one full calendar year.

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