Q: I borrowed a sum of money from a person and I used it in some trading business. A Hawl (one lunar year calculated from the time a property reaches the minimum amount upon which Zakah is due) or more passed and that money is still in my possession. Is it permissible that I pay Zakah (obligatory charity) for that money from my own money, as I am the one benefiting from it? Kindly advise me. (Part No. 8; Page No. 137

A: Zakah is due upon the person who lent you if the money he lent you reaches its Nisab (minimum amount upon which Zakah is due) on its own or by adding it to other sums of money or commercial commodities. However, it is permissible for you to pay your creditor back more than what he lent you, unconditionally, and that is out of being a good debtor. It has been authentically reported on the authority of Abu Rafi` (may Allah be pleased with him) that he said: The Prophet (peace be upon him) borrowed a young camel (under six years), then the camels of charity were brought to him. He ordered me to return to the man the young camel (as a return of the loan). I said: 'I did not find among them but better camels above the age of six.' He said: 'Give that to him for the best people are those who are best in paying off their debts.' This was narrated by Muslim, Abu Dawud, Al-Tirmidhy, Al-Nasa'y, and Ibn Majah. May Allah grant us success. May peace and blessings be upon our Prophet Muhammad, his family, and Companions.