20. 22 Common Misconceptions About Zakaah

By Asma bint Shameem

Misconception #1: It’s good that I give Zakaah but I don’t HAVE to do it.

FACT

Zakaah is one of the PILLARS of Islaam and NOT an OPTION.

It is just as important to our faith as Salaah.

In fact, anyone who does not pay Zakaah although it’s due on him is EXTREMELY SINFUL and there is severe warning of punishment from Allaah Subhaanahu wa Ta’aala and His Messenger Sal Allaahu Alaiyhi wa Sallam.

The Prophet sal Allaahu Alayhi wa sallam said:

"Whoever is given wealth by Allaah and does not pay the Zakaah due thereupon shall find that on the Day of Arising it is made to appear to him as a hairless snake with two black specks, which chains him, and then seizes him by his jaw and says, 'I am your wealth! I am your treasure!'" Then he recited the verse, 'Let not those who are miserly with what God has given them of His bounty think that this is good for them. Rather, it is bad for them. That which they withhold shall be hung around their necks on the Day of Resurrection.' [3:180].” (al-Bukhaari)

Also, the Prophet Sal Allaahu Alaiyhi wa Sallam and his Sahaabah WAGED WAR against such persons even though they uttered the Shahaadah and prayed Salaah.

 About such people Abu Bakr radhi Allaahu anhu said:

"By Allaah! I shall certainly wage war against the people who discriminate between Salaah and Zakaah."
(al-Bukhaari, Muslim)

Misconception # 2: My wealth will decrease if I give Zakaat

FACT

That’s NOT true at all.

Allaah Subhaanahu wa Ta’aala promised that He will MULTIPLY whatever we spend in His Path.

Allaah said:

“The example of those who spend their wealth in the way of Allah is like a seed which grows seven spikes, in each spike is a hundred grains. Allah multiplies His reward for whom He wills, for Allah is vast and knowing.”
(Surah Al-Baqarah :261)

The Prophet Sal Allaahu Alaiyhi wa Sallam said:

“Charity does not decrease wealth.” (Muslim)

Misconception #3: I don't have to pay Zakaah every year.

FACT

Zakaah is an obligation that must be paid EVERY year.

The Prophet Sal Allaahu Alaiyhi wa Sallam used to send the Zakaah-collectors to the tribes and cities, and they did not differentiate between those who had paid their Zakaah the previous year and those who had not; rather they used to take the Zakaah that was due on all the “zakaatable” wealth that people possessed.

Misconception # 4: I never paid Zakaah before.
I will just repent and that should be enough

FACT

Anyone who did not pay Zakaah in the previous years, although it was due on him, has to REPENT to Allaah and PAY whatever was due on him all these years.

That’s because Zakaah is a DEBT that we owe Allaah Subhaanahu wa Ta’aala.
It is one of the PILLARS of our Faith. And not paying it is a MAJOR SIN.

So they should calculate whatever Zakaah is due on them from the previous years and pay it as soon as possible.

Shaikh Ibn Baaz was asked about this issue.
He said:

“You have to pay zakaah for all the past years, and it is not waived due to your ignorance, because the obligation of zakaah is something that no Muslim has any excuse for not knowing, and the ruling is well known to all Muslims.
Zakaah is the third pillar of Islam. What you must do is hasten to pay zakaah for all the past years, and repent to Allaah, may He be glorified and exalted, for delaying it.”
[Majmoo’ Fataawa al-Shaykh Ibn Baaz (14/239)]

Misconception # 5: I don’t have to pay Zakaah if I owe a debt

FACT

According to the stronger (and safer) scholarly opinion, the one who has any “zakatable” wealth should pay zakaah on it, even if he has debts.

Shaikh Ibn Uthaymeen said:

Yes, he has to pay zakaah on the wealth that is in his possession, because the texts which speak of the obligation of zakaah are general in meaning, and do not make any exceptions.

No exception is made for one who is in debt. As the texts are general in meaning, we have to follow them.

Zakaah has to do with t
he wealth itself, not with the person’s obligations towards others; debt has to do with personal obligations towards others. They are *two separate issues*, so zakaah must be paid from the wealth that is in your possession, and the debt is a personal responsibility.”

(Majmoo’ Fataawa al-Shaykh Ibn ‘Uthaymeen, 18/39)

Misconception # 6: I will waive my debt and count that as Zakaah

FACT

Shaikh Ibn Uthaymeen explains:

The Prophet Sal Allaahu Alaiyhi wa Sallam said to Mu’aadh ibn Jabal, when he sent him to Yemen:

“Teach them that Allaah has enjoined upon them zakaah on their wealth, to be taken from their rich and given to their poor.” (al-Bukhaari, Muslim)

He Sal Allaahu Alaiyhi wa Sallam explained that zakaah is something which is to be taken and given, so on this basis, it is not permissible to let off someone who owes you money and count that as zakaah, because letting someone off a debt does not involve taking and giving.”
(Fataawa Manaar al-Islam Vol. 1, P. 309-310)

Ibn Taimiyyah said:

“letting someone off a debt does not relieve one of the obligation of zakaah, and there is no scholarly dispute on this matter.
But you can give this needy person some of your zakaah and he can meet his needs using what you give him as zakaah; and Allaah will help him to pay off his debt in the future, in sha Allaah.”

Misconception #7: I have lent someone some money. I don't have to pay Zakaah on it.

FACT

Shaikh Ibn Uthaymeen said:

“The correct view is that zakaah must be paid on it each year, if it is owed by one who is rich and willing to pay, because it comes under the same ruling as wealth that you have with you.
But he should pay it when he takes possession of the debt, and if he wishes he may pay zakaah on it with the zakaah of the rest of his wealth.
The former is a concession (rukhsah) and the latter is a virtue, and is more expedient in discharging one’s duty.

But if it is owed by one who is delaying payment or one who is hard up, then no zakaah is due on it, even if it remains for ten years, because he is unable to dispose of it, but if he takes possession of it, he should pay zakaah once, for the year in which he took possession of it, and he does not have to pay zakaah for the time that has passed.” [Al-Sharh al-Mumti’ ‘ala Zaad al-Mustaqni’ (6/27, 28)]

Misconception # 8: I pay my taxes so I don’t have to pay Zakaah!

FACT

The taxes we pay are to Uncle Sam, and not to Allaah to Whom the Zakaah is due.

And we should spend this Zakaah money only according to the rules of Sharee’ah in certain specific ways.

So we can NOT count on the taxes we pay on our wealth as part of our Zakaah.

Zakaah must be paid SEPARATELY.

The scholars of the Standing Committee for Issuing Fatwas said:

“It is not permissible to regard the taxes that the owners of wealth pay on their wealth as coming under the heading of the zakaah on that on which it is obligatory to give zakaah. Rather it is obligatory to give the zakaah ordained by Allah to those who are entitled to it according to sharee‘ah, as Allaah Subhaanahu wa Ta’aala says:
“As-Sadaqat (here it means Zakat) are only for the Fuqara’ (poor), and Al-Masakin (the poor)…” [at-Tawbah 9:60]”.
(Fataawa al-Lajnah ad-Daa’imah, 9/285)

Misconception # 9: I will use the money that I receive from my bank as interest to pay off Zakaah

FACT

First of all, putting money in the bank account that accrues *interest* is FORBIDDEN, and a MAJOR SIN.

 “The Prophet Sal Allaahu Alaiyhi wa Sallam CURSED the one who consumes riba and the one who pays it.” (Saheeh Muslim)

Using haraam money to pay off our obligatory Zakaah is not right NOR is it acceptable by Allaah.

The Prophet sal Allaahu Alayhi wa sallam said:

“O people, Allaah is PURE and He ACCEPTS ONLY that which is PURE.” (Saheeh Muslim)

Misconception # 10: I will pay Zakaah on whatever is OVER the Nisaab

FACT

If we have wealth that is MORE than the Nisaab, then Zakaah is due on ALL the money, and not just on the surplus.

Shaikh Salih al-Munajjid said:

“If monetary wealth surpasses the amount of nisaab, then zakaat is due upon it ALL, and not upon the surplus only, nor upon the amount of nisaab only, but on the TOTAL.”

Misconception #11: Zakaah is due on precious gems, stones and diamonds

FACT

Zakaah is NOT due on gems, precious stones, diamonds, etc.unless you do business in them.

Shaikh Ibn Baaz said:

“Jewels that are not gold, such as diamonds, are not subject to zakaah, unless they are intended for trade.” (Fatawaa 14/124)

Misconception # 12: I will buy diamonds so that I don’t have to pay Zakaah

FACT

Some people try to get out of Zakaah by investing in diamonds, since no Zakaah is due on them. .

Doesn’t Allaah know what’s in our hearts and minds?

Zakaah IS due on diamonds and other gems if they are kept for TRADE.

Misconception # 13: The husband HAS to pay Zakaah on the wife’s jewelry and wealth

FACT

It is NOT the husband’s duty to pay Zakaah on his wife’s jewelry, wealth, etc.
Rather, it is HER responsibility, since SHE is the owner of the wealth.

However, If her husband or someone else VOLUNTEERS to pay zakaah on her behalf, then that’s fine.

Misconception # 14: I only have gold, but I do not have any money. So, I don’t have to pay Zakaah….

FACT

 Shaykh Ibn Uthaymeen said:

“ Zakaah must be paid on jewelry if it reaches the nisaab, which is eighty-five grams. If it reaches this amount, zakaah must be paid on it.

If she has other wealth and pays from that, there is nothing wrong with it.

If her husband or one of her relatives pays it on her behalf, there is nothing wrong with that.
If neither of these options is available to her, then she should SELL some of it and pay zakaah with that money.”

Misconception # 15: I will use my Zakaah money on my “immediate family”

FACT

Shaykh Ibn Baaz said:

“The Muslim CAN NOT give his zakaah to his parents or to his wife and children; rather he is OBLIGED to spend on them from his wealth if they need that and he is able to spend on them.”

Misconception # 16: I cannot give Zakaah to my poor relatives
FACT

It is actually PREFERABLE for a person to give their zakaah to a brother, sister, paternal uncle, paternal aunt or to any other relative, if they are poor.

This is because, giving zakaah to them is both an act of charity AND upholding family ties.

The Prophet Sal Allaahu Alaiyhi wa Sallam said:

“Charity given to the poor is charity and charity given to a relative is charity AND upholding of family ties.” (Ahmad, al-Nasaa’i - saheeh by al-Albaani)

Misconception # 17: A woman cannot give Zakaah to her Husband

FACT

It is OKAY for a woman to give zakaah to her husband, if he is qualified to receive zakaah, because she is not obliged to spend on him.

PROOF:

 Abu Sa’eed al-Khudri radhi Allaahu anhu said:

“When the Prophet Sal Allaahu Alaiyhi wa Sallam commanded the women to give in charity, Zaynab the wife of ‘Abd-Allaah ibn Mas’ood came to him and said:

“O Prophet of Allaah, today you told us to give in charity. I have some jewelry and I want to give it in charity, but Ibn Mas’ood claims that he and his child are more deserving of my charity.”

The Prophet Sal Allaahu Alaiyhi wa Sallam said:

“Ibn Mas’ood has spoken the truth. Your husband and child are more deserving of your charity.”
(al-Bukhaari, Muslim)

Misconception # 18: Zakaah can be given to Non-Muslims if they are poor

FACT

It is NOT permissible to give Zakaah to non Muslims except to the one who’s heart is inclined towards Islaam, in the hope that his heart will be softened and he will become Muslim if you give him zakaah.

That’s what Allaah said in Surah al-Tawbah Aayah 60.

But we can help them with our Sadaqah (voluntary charity).

Misconception # 19: I will use Zakaah to build hospitals, masaajid and orphanages

FACT

According to the majority of the scholars, this is not permissible.

That’s because this is not included in the eight categories on which zakaah may be spent.

Allaah tells us that Zakaah may be spent on the following:

“As-Sadaqaat (Zakaah) are only for the Fuqaraa’ (poor), and Al-Masaakeen (the poor) and those employed to collect (the funds); and to attract the hearts of those who have been inclined (towards Islam); and to free the captives; and for those in debt; and for Allaah’s Cause (Mujaahidoon — those fighting in a holy battle), and for the wayfarer (a traveler who is cut off from everything)” [al-Tawbah:60]

But if the intention in giving the money to an orphanage is so that this money will be spent on the poor orphans, then this is permissible, if the orphans are poor.

 Ibn Qudaamah said:

“It is not permissible to spend zakaah on anything other than what Allaah has mentioned here, such as building masaajid, bridges and aqueducts, maintaining roads, shrouding the dead, providing hospitality to visitors and other acts of charity that Allaah did not mention here.” [al-Mughni (2/280)]

But some of the contemporary ulama are of the opinion that zakaat money MAY be used to build masaajid, islaamic schools, etc especially in non-Muslim countries.

That’s because one of the categories of zakaat is “Fee Sabeelillaah” or “in Allaah’s Cause”.

And according to these contemporary ulama, “Fee Sabeelillaah” also includes masjids and Islaamic schools because that’s da’wah especially in non-Muslim countries and that’s “in Allaah’s Cause”.

However, the majority of the scholars however do NOT agree with that.

They are of the opinion that “Fee Sabeelillaah” means “for Jihaad and Mujaahidoon” ONLY.

Misconception # 20: Zakaah is the same as Zakaat ul-Fitr

FACT

Zakaat al-Fitr is NOT the same as Zakaatul Maal.

These are two separate entities and whoever paid Zakaah is NOT relieved of paying Zakaat al-Fitr and vice-versa.

Misconception # 21: I have to INFORM the one I am giving, that it is Zakaah

FACT

You *do not* have to tell the recipient that it is zakaah.

Someone asked Shaykh Sa’d Al-Humayd about informing their poor uncle before giving him Zakaah.

He said:

“If your uncle is poor and is thereby entitled to zakaah, then it is OK to give him the zakaah of your wealth, or some of it. This is not subject to any condition of your telling him of that.”

Misconception # 22: Zakaah has to be paid in Ramadhaan only

FACT

Zakaah should be paid if a person has wealth that has reached the Nisaab and is saved in his possession for ONE WHOLE LUNAR YEAR since the time he acquired that wealth.

If he acquired that wealth in Rajab, he has to pay Zakaah on it In Rajab of NEXT YEAR.

If he acquired that wealth in Muharram, he has to pay Zakaah on it next Muharram.

And Allaah knows best