If I have a specific amount owed to me by a person, and this amount has remained for three years, is its zakah obligatory on me?

Question:
If I have a specific amount owed to me by a person, and this amount has remained for three years, is zakah obligatory on me?

Answer:
Yes. If the debt is in the liability of the debtor, and this debtor is wealthy, meaning he is able to pay and to fulfill the obligation, then its zakah is obligatory every year. Whenever a lunar year of possession has passed for him, he pays its zakah, whether he has received it or not, because it is in the status of money in his possession, if this debt is owed by a wealthy person, meaning one who is able to fulfill the obligation when requested, who is not delaying and not in financial distress. However, if this money is with someone who is not wealthy, and you do not know whether you will obtain it or not, because the debtor is in financial distress, or because he is delaying and you are unable to take your right from him, and you do not know whether this debt will come or not, then zakah is not obligatory on it, according to the correct opinion, unless you receive it. If you receive it, then zakah is obligatory on it. As for what is before that, there is no zakah on it, considering that you do not know whether you will obtain it or not.