Are Taxes Outside of Zakat Considered Forbidden in Islam?

Answered by Shaykh Abdul-Rahim Reasat

Question: Assalamu ‘Alaykum,  Are taxes outside of zakat considered forbidden in Islam?

Answer: Wa ‘alaykum assalam wa rahmatullah wa barakatuh

Yes, it is permissible for a government or authority to levy taxes on people. Usually, these funds are used for the benefit of everyone who lives in that place for things like maintaining roads and education.

The best thing to do is to intend to give the money as a charity to society at large. Allah has said, ”Whatever you do of the good Allah knows it.” (Qur’an; 2:197) Meaning that He will reward you for all the good that you do. This way you can take the benefits of paying your taxes into the next life with you.

May Allah grant you the best of both worlds.

[Shaykh] Abdul-Rahim Reasat

Checked and Approved by Shaykh Faraz Rabbani

Shaykh Abdul-Rahim Reasat began his studies in Arabic Grammar and Morphology in 2005. After graduating with a degree in English and History he moved to Damascus in 2007 where, for 18 months, he studied with many erudite scholars. In late 2008 he moved to Amman, Jordan, where he continued his studies for the next six years in Sacred Law (fiqh), legal theory (Usul al-fiqh), theology, hadith methodology, hadith commentary, and Logic. He was also given licenses of mastery in the science of Qur’anic recital and he was able to study an extensive curriculum of Qur’anic sciences, tafsir, Arabic grammar, and Arabic eloquence.