Prayer TimesIslam holds a person responsible only for obligations they are able to fulfill. Therefore, in order to be liable for zakat and certain other financial duties, it is required that one possesses wealth exceeding their basic needs (hawaij al-asliyya). Hawaij al-asliyya are the basic needs of a person and those they are responsible for, covering a period of one year.
Which possessions are considered basic needs and the criteria for this may vary depending on the individual, time, circumstances, and environment. Nevertheless, Islamic scholars have established some general, clear, and objective criteria regarding basic needs. These needs should be determined in light of these criteria, according to the common values of society and the minimum standards of living and subsistence.
Accordingly, basic needs include housing, food, clothing, health and security expenses, transportation, education, household goods, land, buildings, machinery and tools used for profession and production, as well as ongoing expenses such as electricity, water, fuel, and dues.
Source: T.C. Diyanet İşleri Başkanlığı, Din İşleri Yüksek Kurulu
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