Islam legislates zakat for Muslims as a means for the wealthy to support the poor, making it a crucial pillar of Islam and frequently mentioned alongside prayer in the Quran for its importance in fulfilling the needs of the needy and purifying the giver from arrogance and miserliness, as well as increasing blessings in their wealth.

In this article, we delve into the details of zakat on inherited wealth, its threshold, and related Islamic rulings.

Is There Zakat on Inheritance?

 Upon the death of a wealth owner without having paid the due zakat, it becomes obligatory to settle this debt before distributing the estate among the heirs, as zakat is a priority over inheritance distribution.

Once the wealth owner passes away, the inheritance transfers to the heirs, becoming part of their possessions. It’s necessary to calculate each heir’s share to determine if it reaches the nisab (minimum amount required for zakat) individually or in combination with other wealth, making zakat obligatory on it.

If the value of the wealth alone reaches the nisab, zakat becomes obligatory after a year. If the nisab is only met by adding other wealth, the nisab is calculated on the total, considering the zakat due for each wealth according to its own lunar year.

Circumstances and Rulings on Zakat for Inherited Wealth

If a Lunar Year Passes: If a lunar year passes on the inherited wealth and it reaches the nisab, zakat is obligatory. If the nisab is reached by combining it with other wealth, zakat is due on the total.

Before Receiving the Inheritance:

 Heirs cannot dispose of the inheritance before receiving their share. Once it reaches the nisab and a lunar year passes, they must pay zakat.

When Zakat Becomes Obligatory on Inherited Wealth:

 Zakat on inheritance is obligatory in two cases:

• If the inheritance share does not reach the nisab except by adding similar wealth, zakat is imposed immediately without waiting for a year. The new inherited wealth’s lunar year starts from the moment the money is added.

• If the nisab is achieved by combining different types of wealth, zakat is due on the total after a full lunar year from the addition. The lunar year for the total amount starts from the time of combination, after which the required zakat is paid.

Recipients of Zakat According to Islamic Law

 Islam specifies zakat recipients as stated in the Quran: for the poor, the needy, zakat workers, those whose hearts are to be reconciled, slaves, debtors, in the cause of Allah, and the traveler.

These categories include:

• The poor and needy, as they require financial support for their basic needs.
• Zakat collectors.
• New Muslims and those expected to embrace Islam through heart-reconciliation.
• For freeing slaves or those in debt for freeing themselves.
• Debtors unable to pay off their debts.
• For the cause of Allah, including seeking knowledge.
• Travelers stranded without enough funds to continue their journey.

Masarat for Distance Education and Knowledge Dissemination in Syria

 At Masarat, we focus on supporting and providing free education for those in need and affected in Syria, deprived of their right to education and unable to continue their educational journey.

Considering seeking knowledge as a form of jihad in the cause of Allah, allocating your zakat to support them is a true opportunity to fulfill the zakat obligation rightfully. By giving your zakat through us, you ensure it reaches those truly in need, becoming part of positive change for many individuals and their families.