A person who lost his wealth and then it was returned to him, but he did not pay its zakah for several years, yet his wealth was returned to him in installments: is it permissible to pay the zakah in installments?

The questioner : Now, Shaykh, excuse me, I receive the money in installments, so what is the method of payment? Does he pay the zakah in installments? That is, every time he receives an installment, he gives a portion of the zakah, or does he clear his conscience by paying the entire zakah at once, and then...?

The Shaykh : This depends on his ability.

The questioner : But in the Shari'ah, for example, is he not obligated to pay it all at once?

The Shaykh : The answer is what we have already stated in our response: it depends on his ability. That is, if he is able to pay the zakah for every year, he pays it; otherwise, Is this not the answer to your question?

The questioner : Perhaps the matter is not one where ability plays a role... for example.

The Shaykh : I did not impose an answer; I said: if he is, and if he is not, what is there then? If he is able, he pays everything he owes, and if he is not able, he pays what he can. What else do you have?