Q : I have been working in
Saudi Arabia
since 1983. No one told us about the Zakah (obligatory charity) due on money. I started to save of my salary in the bank until I now have USD 9000 that equals 20000 Egyptian pounds. This sum of money is for providing for the marriage of my three daughters. My wife used to pay Zakat-ul-Fitr (obligatory charity paid before the Festival of Breaking the Fast) along with some other money that she used to give to the poor yearly, according to her knowledge. This year, I have paid Zakah due on this sum, but what is incumbent upon me as for the past years from 1984 to 1989 to clear myself in the presence of Allah and earn Allah's Pleasure and Forgiveness for my mistake? Please, be informed that I want to pay the required sum, if any, in installments, due to my current circumstances. My current salary is 1980 Saudi Riyals. This year, I have paid 8000 Egyptian pounds as the cost of a surgery for my daughter. I am waiting for your response to free myself. May Allah grant us success. As-salamu `alaykum (May Allah's Peace be upon you!)
A :
Zakah is Wajib (obligatory) on the entire amount saved when it reaches a Nisab (the minimum amount on which Zakah is due) and a Hawl (one lunar year calculated from the time a property reaches the minimum amount upon which Zakah is due) passes. It is to be paid yearly. You should calculate the money you have at the end of every year and give out 2.5% as Zakah to the beneficiaries among the poor, the needy and other categories that Allah specified in the Ayah (Qur'anic verse) on the Zakah recipients, which is Ayah number 60 of the Surah (Qur'anic Chapter) of Al-Tawbah. (Part No. 8; Page No. 27) May Allah grant us success. May Allah's Peace and Blessings be upon Prophet Muhammad, his family and Companions!
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