24th March 2020
السلام عليكم و رحمة الله و بركاته
Question: Last year I paid my Zakāt on Ramadan 4th. In light of recent Covid-19 lockdowns in many countries, would it be permissible to pay this year’s Zakāt now, a couple of months earlier, such that Muslims around the world could buy food supplies in preparation for Ramadan and any further lockdown/restrictions?
الجواب حامداً و مصلياً
In the name of Allāh, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful
Answer
In reference to your query if one wishes to pay their Zakāt a few months earlier in order for other Muslims to benefit from, then it is permissible.[1] This is so long as it meets the conditions of paying Zakāt along with the likelihood of it remaining in your possession towards the end of the year. It must be noted that if there is an increase on the Zakatable money towards your annual Zakāt calculation date (4th Ramadhān in your case), after paying your Zakāt in advance, then you must pay Zakāt on that additional amount as well. As a recommendation though it is better to give a little extra enough so to save recalculating your Zakāt towards your annual Zakāt due date.
[Allāh Knows Best]
Written by: Apa Gul-e-Maryam Reviewed by: Mufti Abdul Waheed
Attested by: Shaykh Mufti Saiful Islam
JKN Fatawa Department
[1] Muheet Al Burhani, Kitab Zakaat, Vol 2, Pg 267
ويجوز تعجيل الزكاة قبل الحول إذا ملك نصابا عندنا؛ لأنه أدى بعد وجود سبب الوجوب؛ لأن سبب الوجوب نصاب نام؛ فإن نظرنا إلى النصاب
فالنصاب قد وجد؛ وإن نظرنا إلى النماء فقد وجد أيضا؛ لأن العبرة لسبب النماء وهو الإسامة أو التجارة لا لنفس النماء، وقد وجد سبب النماء
Shami, Kitab Zakaat, Vol 2, Pg 293
ولو عجل ذو نصاب) زكاته (لسنين أو لنصب صح) لوجود السبب، وكذا لو عجل عشر زرعه أو ثمره بعد الخروج قبل الإدراك؛ واختلف فيه قبل النبات وخروج الثمرة
Ikhtiyaar Li Taleel Mukhtar, Kitab Zakaat, Vol 1,Pg 103
ويأخذ المصدق وسط المال ; ومن ملك نصابا فعجل الزكاة قبل الحول لسنة أو أكثر، أو لنصب جاز