When Do I Have to Pay My Zakat?

Answered by Ustadh Tabraze Azam

Question: As salam alaykum,

Do I have to pay my zakat each year after I have reach the zakatable level for the first time?

Can I pay my zakat in advance?

Answer: Wa alaikum assalam wa rahmatullah,

I pray this finds you well, insha’Allah.

(1) Yes, you need to look back to see when you reach the zakatable level for the first time, above and beyond any debts you had incurred. One year after this date, zakat would be due from you. (see: e-nisab.com)

(2) Yes, zakat is valid if paid in advance as long as you made an intention. Following that, you would double check the amount on your zakat due date to ensure you paid the correct amount.

Please also see: Is Your Zakat Due? – A Reader and Resources on Giving Zakat and: Zakat: How to Calculate & Whom to Give

And Allah knows best.

wassalam,

Tabraze Azam

Checked & Approved by Shaykh Faraz Rabbani