The Ruling on Advancing Zakah and Delaying It

Question:
M.A. from al-Madinah al-Munawwarah asks, saying: What is the opinion of the Honorable Shaykh regarding advancing zakah before the completion of the lunar year of possession on the wealth, or delaying it? And since I find people who need it, and the time for paying zakah falls in the blessed month of Ramadan, what is your guidance in this matter?

Answer:
It is permissible to advance zakah for up to two lunar years when there is a cause calling for it, because the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) advanced it from some of his Companions out of need; he took it from his uncle al-Abbas (may Allah be pleased with him) for two years. So, if need calls for it, there is no harm in advancing zakah. As for delaying it, it is not permissible to delay zakah past its time unless it is more likely that delaying it is better for the need of a needy person or other such matters. So, if it is delayed for a legitimate Shari'ah reason, there is no harm. Yes.