The Ruling on Zakah in Annual Aid from Certain Entities

Question:
Our brother Nasser Mubarak Ajaym al-Dawsari from the city of al-Khafji has a set of questions. In his first question, he says: What is the ruling on the money granted annually by certain entities, such as annual aid and what is called al-sharhah? Is zakah due on it? Given that he knows the amount before receiving it?

Answer:
He owes no zakah on it until he takes possession of it. If he takes possession of it and a lunar year passes over it, he pays zakah on it. As long as it remains with the state, or with the one who gives him the customary allowance, it is not in his control and he does not own it. It may be obtained or it may not; it may be delayed or it may come early. The point is that it does not become his property until he takes possession of it. If he takes possession of this customary allowance, it reaches the nisab, and a lunar year passes over it, he pays zakah on it. If he consumes it before the lunar year passes, he owes nothing.