Zakah on debt


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Q 2: I borrowed a sum of money from a friend and after a period of time, I saved the same sum and repaid the loan to the friend. However, he refused to receive it and said that he was not in need of it at that time. He thus left it with me and it is an extra sum that I do not need. Who should pay the Zakah (obligatory charity) due on this money: the original owner or I? Please, advise. May Allah reward you with the best! (Part No. 8; Page No. 328


A 2: It is Wajib (obligatory) on the owner of the money to pay the Zakah due on it if it has reached the Nisab (the minimum amount on which Zakah is due) and a full Hawl (one lunar year calculated from the time a property reaches the minimum amount upon which Zakah is due) has passed. You are not required to pay anything, as the money described is a deposit with you. If the owner asks you to act on his behalf in the payment of Zakah, then you should pay the due Zakah on his behalf. It is better, as mentioned in the first answer, to discuss the matter with him to clear yourself and be on the safe side.May Allah grant us success. May peace and blessings be upon our Prophet Muhammad, his family, and Companions.




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