Zakat on gold is one of the obligations emphasized by Islam to be performed at its specified times.
Delaying it has been a point of jurisprudential debate among scholars, with varied opinions and interpretations regarding its timing, conditions for its discharge, and circumstances that justify its delay.
This article clarifies the various opinions on the conditions and rulings of delaying zakat on gold based on Islamic texts and scholarly interpretations, enabling you to calculate zakat on gold for this year and previous years.
The Ruling on Delaying Zakat on Gold
Despite the scarcity of specific Islamic texts about zakat on gold, scholars have interpreted them differently, leading to a diversity of jurisprudential opinions on its obligation. However, there is a consensus on the obligation of zakat on gold used in trade when a lunar year (hawl) is complete, and its immediate disbursement is necessary to assist the poor.
The Hanafi school mentions regarding the disbursement of zakat on gold that the zakat payer may pay at the beginning, middle, or end of the hawl, with the beginning being most virtuous due to the sin of delaying without a valid reason, unless there is a reason for delay, such as the absence of a needy person.
Is Delaying Zakat on Gold Permissible?
Disbursing zakat on its due date is among the most important religious duties. However, delaying it for legally valid reasons, such as the unavailability of cash or need, is permissible. Unjustified delay is considered a mistake that requires prompt action to avoid neglecting Allah’s rights.
Conditions for Delaying Zakat on Gold
Scholars have emphasized the necessity of paying zakat on gold in its due time, without neglecting your specific circumstances that may affect your ability to perform this duty. The most important conditions to consider include:
- The unavailability of liquidity or difficulty in directly disbursing zakat from the gold.
- Delaying disbursement due to waiting for a more needy recipient.
- Having justified reasons for delaying zakat.
When Can Zakat on Gold Be Delayed
Imam Nawawi in his explanation of Al-Muhadhdhab stated: “Zakat in our view must be discharged immediately. If it becomes obligatory and one is able to discharge it, delaying is not permissible. If one is unable, they may delay until they are able. If one delays after being able, they sin and become liable.”
Therefore, delaying zakat on gold for legitimate reasons, such as not reaching the nisab, the absence of deserving recipients, or facing difficulties related to discharging zakat from the gold itself, is permissible.
Calculating Zakat on Gold for the Coming Year After Delay
You are required to pay zakat on gold immediately after it reaches the nisab of 85 grams or more at a rate of “one-quarter of a tenth” of its value. The principle here is to disburse zakat from the gold itself.
If you delay its disbursement, it should be calculated based on the gold’s value at the time of disbursement, not at the time of obligation, to ensure fairness and accuracy in fulfilling the zakat obligation.
Masarat for Sustainable Development and Education in Northern Syria
Masarat, a free educational initiative, facilitates access to knowledge for all community groups, especially those facing challenges in completing their education. This initiative offers diverse educational opportunities and supports the principle of disbursing zakat for the benefit of students, based on the saying of the Prophet Muhammad, peace be upon him: “Whoever takes a path in search of knowledge, Allah will make easy for him a path to Paradise.”
These are among the deserving recipients of zakat and charity, and your support for them is a contribution to spreading education among the tents of refugees, displaced, and exiled individuals.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it permissible to disburse zakat on gold before the hawl?
You are permitted to disburse zakat before the completion of the hawl (lunar year) for a benefit or interest anticipated from this early disbursement.
Is there any harm in disbursing zakat before its due date?
There is no objection to advancing the zakat disbursement date if it serves the Muslims’ interest and their need is urgent.
Is delaying the disbursement of zakat on gold permissible?
Delaying the disbursement of zakat without an acceptable excuse is not permissible, as such delay constitutes a major sin unless there is a valid excuse, such as searching for the most needy recipients.
When must zakat on gold be disbursed according to Ibn Baz?
Zakat on gold becomes obligatory upon the completion of the hawl (lunar year) when the gold is designated for trade and growth, provided its weight reaches the specified nisab of 85 grams or more.
What are the cases where delaying the payment of zakat on gold is permissible?
You are allowed to delay the payment of zakat on gold in the following cases:
- To achieve the benefit of Muslims.
- Searching for the most needy recipients of zakat.
- Having a legitimate excuse, such as the lack of financial liquidity.
- Your travel or the absence of the entitled recipient at the specified time for its disbursement.
What is the ruling on discharging zakat before its due date and permanently for specific poor people – Ibn Baz?
Disbursing zakat ahead of its due time is permitted for legitimate reasons, as the Prophet Peace be upon him did with the zakat of his uncle Al-Abbas, especially when there are needy poor people. It can be made an annual stipend for those in need whose continuous need is known.
Delaying zakat: Is gold valued at the time of disbursement or at the time of obligation?
Sheikh Ibn Uthaymeen – may Allah have mercy on him – emphasizes that delaying zakat beyond its due time is not permissible unless there is an excuse such as the absence of deserving recipients. In the case of zakat on gold, it should be disbursed from the gold itself or its monetary value at the time of disbursement, not at the time of obligation.
