A man has wealth in which zakah has become obligatory, but he did not pay it. After a short time following its obligation, he needed the money. Does he pay the zakah or not?

The Shaykh : Yes?

The questioner: Peace be upon you.

The Shaykh : And upon you be peace and the mercy of Allah.

The questioner : How are you, our Shaykh?

The Shaykh : You are welcome.

The questioner : I have an inquiry, O Shaykh, by Allah!

The Shaykh: Go ahead.

The questioner : A man’s lunar year of possession passed over his wealth, and he did not pay its zakah. Then, after a short period, he needed this money. Does he pay the zakah or not?

The Shaykh : You mean: the lunar year of possession passed over his wealth, and he did not pay the zakah?

The questioner: Yes.

The Shaykh : And after that.

The questioner : After that, a short period later!

The Shaykh : Yes, it fell below the minimum threshold for zakah.

The questioner: Yes.

The Shaykh : So, as long as the lunar year of possession has passed over it, it remains a debt in his conscience. He must clear his conscience and pay the zakah on that wealth, even if he needs all of it.

The questioner : Yes, yes.

The Shaykh: Yes.

The questioner : May Allah reward you with good, O Shaykh.

The Shaykh : And you too, my brother.

The questioner: Peace be upon you.

The Shaykh: And upon you peace.