QA-ID-0042
QUESTION
Can a person’s zakat date change?
If my zakat date is 1 Ramadhan but I do not possess nisab threshold on that date, do I continue calculating my zakat every year on that same date?
Or would I need to calculate my zakat on the next date I reach nisab threshold, and this becomes my new calculation date?
ANSWER
﷽
If a person does not possess enough zakātable assets (cash, gold/silver, business goods) that reach the threshold amount (nisāb) on their annual zakāt date, they are not obligated to give zakāt.
Since they do not have the threshold amount on their annual zakāt date, the annual zakāt date will shift to when they next reach the threshold amount. When they reach the threshold amount again, that date marks the start of their new zakāt year, and they will give zakāt the following year on that date if they have more than the threshold amount.
This only applies when a person does not have enough wealth to meet the threshold at the end of their zakāt year, not if they briefly dip below the threshold during the year but have enough by the year end. It is the year end amount that matters, even if their wealth fluctuates below the threshold during the year, as long as they do not reach zero.
والله تعالى أعلم
And Allāh Knows Best
Muhammad Kalim Misbahi
