Do I Have to Give Zakat if I do not Work?

Answered by Ustadh Tabraze Azam
Question: I only worked for a few months this year, I am a student, I have managed to save 500. Do I have to pay zakat on this ?
My parents recieve benefits from the government as they cannot work due to old age. Do they have to give zakat on this?
Answer: Assalamu alaikum wa rahmatullahi wa barakatuh,
I pray that you are in the best of health and faith, insha’Allah.
Zakat is due on wealth that you own, irrespective of whether or not you are working.
As such, if you are possession of the zakatable minimum (nisab) above and beyond your immediate needs and expenses, and one lunar year has passed, then zakat would be due. [see: Zakat: How to Calculate & Whom to Give]
See also: Zakat Guide 2014
And Allah alone gives success.
Wassalam,
Tabraze Azam
Checked & Approved by Faraz Rabbani