A man offered land for sale for several years, then it was sold, and he bought another piece of land to build a house on it. Is zakah due on it?
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The questioner : May Allah reward you. A man bought a piece of land to build his house on it, and after a period of time, he changed his mind and wanted to sell this land. It was not sold until after several years. Is zakah due on this land that remained in his ownership for several years? Knowing that he bought another piece and will build his house with the money from the first land. May Allah reward you with good.
The Shaykh : He owes no zakah on that. That is, if a person desires to part with something from his ownership, such as land, a car, or anything else, and offers it for sale, and it remains unsold for a year, two years, or more, then he owes no zakah on it. This is because this is not trade, and zakah is only obligatory in trade, in the case of a man who exchanges goods seeking profit. As for this man, he did not seek profit, but his desire shifted away from this wealth, so he wanted to sell it. Therefore, he owes no zakah, even if it remains for several years.
The questioner : Okay, Shaykh, what if he sells it for a profit?
The Shaykh : Even if he sells it for a profit. However, if he sells it and the money remains with him until the year is completed, then zakah is due on the money.
The Shaykh : He owes no zakah on that. That is, if a person desires to part with something from his ownership, such as land, a car, or anything else, and offers it for sale, and it remains unsold for a year, two years, or more, then he owes no zakah on it. This is because this is not trade, and zakah is only obligatory in trade, in the case of a man who exchanges goods seeking profit. As for this man, he did not seek profit, but his desire shifted away from this wealth, so he wanted to sell it. Therefore, he owes no zakah, even if it remains for several years.
The questioner : Okay, Shaykh, what if he sells it for a profit?
The Shaykh : Even if he sells it for a profit. However, if he sells it and the money remains with him until the year is completed, then zakah is due on the money.