That he has a debt exceeding one million Syrian pounds, and he receives approximately three hundred thousand pounds per year, and this amount does not cover a quarter of the debt, and

The questioner : This questioner says in his final question that he has a debt exceeding one million Syrian pounds, and he receives approximately three hundred thousand pounds per year, and this amount does not cover a quarter of the debt. He says he is unable to pay zakah because he does not have control over the money he receives, and that he is now confused. Please advise us on the correct path in this matter?

The Shaykh : Yes. If the money that comes to him is spent before the lunar year (hawl) is completed, then there is no zakah on it. But if the lunar year is completed, then zakah is obligatory upon him, even if he has a debt, because zakah is attached to the wealth just as it is attached to the liability. Allah the Exalted said: And the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) said to Mu'adh when he sent him to Yemen: As for those among the scholars who say that if a person has a debt, he may deduct the amount corresponding to it and not pay zakah on it—for example, if he has five thousand in debt and ten thousand in his possession, some scholars say he only pays zakah on five thousand, because that is the amount remaining after his debt—the correct view is that he pays zakah on the entire ten thousand, and Allah will settle his debt for him. Perhaps Allah will send blessing in his remaining wealth until he is able to pay off the debt.

The questioner : May Allah reward you, O honorable Shaykh.