Zakat on al-mal is a fundamental pillar of Islam and a mandatory obligation on wealthy Muslims, including the deceased, to support the poor and uphold Sharia law. It serves to purify both al-mal and the soul from excessive attachment to money.
This article addresses the obligation of Zakat on al-mal for the deceased in Islamic law, its permissibility and answers, how it should be disbursed, and concludes with the most common questions on this topic.
Zakat on Al-mal for the Deceased in Islam
Al-Bahuti (may Allah have mercy on him) said: “Zakat, if the obligated person dies, is like a debt on the estate.”
If al-mal of the deceased Muslim is subject to Zakat and has not yet been paid, Zakat is due and should be paid by the heirs before the distribution of the inheritance. Zakat on al-mal for the deceased should be paid before distributing the inheritance to ensure the correct disbursement of Zakat on behalf of the deceased.
Does Zakat Apply to Al-mal of the Deceased?
As narrated in Sahihain, the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) said: “Fulfill the right of Allah, for Allah is most deserving of fulfillment” (narrated by Bukhari).
Islam mandates Zakat on al-mal for the deceased, which applies in two cases:
- If a Muslim dies without having paid Zakat on their al-mal for a year or years, the heirs must disburse the Zakat before dividing the inheritance because it is a debt owed to Allah Almighty that must be settled.
- If a Muslim die having reached the Nisab and the Hawl (lunar year) but delayed in disbursing the Zakat, it must be paid after the expenses for shroud and burial are covered.
How to Disburse Zakat on Al-mal for the Deceased
When a Muslim passes away, their al-mal is assessed. If al-mal reaches the Nisab amounting to 85 grams of gold and Zakat was obligatory before their death, “one-quarter of a tenth” (2.5%) is taken from al-mal.
If Zakat for several years has accumulated, Zakat for each year must be calculated and disbursed. According to a fatwa by the Permanent Committee for Islamic Research and Issuing Fatwas: “Zakat must be taken from al-mal of this deceased for all the years that passed without him paying it by taking out one-quarter of a tenth (2.5%) for each year, considering Zakat for each year deducted from the amount, and purifying the remainder in the following year.”
Masarat Initiative for Education and Training in Syria
In refugee camps and amidst life’s pains, orphan children dream of education—a challenge that Masarat addresses by confronting educational challenges in Northern Syria. It provides free education and facilitates access to knowledge through an interactive electronic environment and non-interactive lessons through a Learning Management Platform, including a special knowledge endowment by Masarat on YouTube.
Masarat strongly believes in the power of education and its role in building more stable societies. The primary goal of Masarat is to expand the scope of beneficiaries to make education a fundamental part of their lives.
You can also support and assist these children by channeling your donations through the Masarat Initiative, which documents every amount sent to it.
Your Zakat contribution reaches the orphan children who are in dire need of this al-mal, achieving a good and truthful amount before Allah, as He says: “Who is it that would loan Allah a goodly loan so He may multiply it for him many times over? And it is Allah who withholds and grants abundance, and to Him you will be returned.”
Your donation to these children and youth is the ultimate good you can offer them.
These orphans need educational opportunities and empowerment in the absence of their providers, to become positive and effective members of society.
