Question:

I started a new job last July. I have accrued 20000 in that time, I have no expenses, am I due to pay zakah on the amount this year. As the time this year i did not have income and had 0 dollars. Is this due next year?

Answer:

In the Name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful.

As-salāmu ‘alaykum wa-rahmatullāhi wa-barakātuh.

At the outset, it is important to understand the basic concept of calculating Zakāh.

The day an individual becomes owner of Zakātable wealth (gold, silver, cash, or trading merchandise) equivalent to the amount of Nisāb (612.36 grams of silver or its value in cash)[1], this day is termed as his Zakāh day. In other words, annually all Zakātable wealth in his ownership on that day must be calculated for Zakāh.

If one does not remember when he first became owner of this amount i.e. 612.36 grams of silver or its value, he must apply his discretion and arrive at a conclusion. If he is unable to remember even after applying his discretion, he must stipulate any day as his Zakāh day based on the lunar calendar. Thereafter, on a yearly basis he must calculate all Zakātable wealth in his ownership on that day.[2]

Based on the aforementioned, hereunder is the answer to your query:

Establish your Zakah day in terms of the lunar calendar. Upon establishing a Zakah day, calculate 2.5% of all Zakatable in your ownership on your Zakah day this year. This calculated amount must be given as Zakah.

Note: This ruling is applicable on condition that the person in reference is not in debt. Otherwise, if he is in debt, the ruling will be different.

And Allah Ta’āla Knows Best

(Mufti) Abdul Azeem bin Abdur Rahman

Disclaimer:

The Shar’a ruling herein given is based specifically on the question posed and should be read in conjunction with the question.

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This answer may not be used as evidence in any Court of Law without prior written consent of Darul Iftaa Texas.

[1]اوزان شريعه، ص 49

[2]احسن الفتاوى، ج 4، ص 265، سعيد