Who Are Obliged To Give Zakat? What Are The Conditions For Its Validity?
Who are obliged to give zakat? What are the conditions for its validity?
The conditions regarding zakat are handled under two titles as the conditions for being obliged to give zakat and the conditions for its validity.
In order to be obliged to give zakat, one must be Muslim, mentally healthy, have reached puberty, and free (Kasani, Bada’i, II, 4-5), must have wealth “in nisab amount” in addition to one-year’s basic needs and debts, and the property must be increasing and deriving a profit. What is meant by increase is that the goods in possession must be providing income, profit and benefit, or having the quality to multiply and reproducing.
For being obliged to give zakat, one lunar year must have passed after gaining the wealth in nisab amount (Kasani, Bada’i, II, 13 onwards; Ibn Qudamaah, al-Mughni, IV,73-74). Increases and decreases in the amount of wealth throughout the year are not taken into account. Zakat may be given before this time runs out (Kasani, Bada’i, II, 15).
When it comes to the conditions for the validity of zakat, first of all, intention/niyyah is essential. As in all acts of worship, the obligation of zakat cannot be fulfilled without intention as well (Kasani, Bada’i, II, 40; Ibn Qudamah, al-Mughni, IV, 88). Besides, “conveyance (tamlik)” which means giving and granting zakat to the poor, is also essential (Kasani, Bada’i, II, 39). Other ways such as preparing food and giving them to the poor is not considered as zakat.
Source: Presidency Of Religious Affairs The Turkey, High Board of Religious Affairs FATWA
