WHEN CAN ZAKAT BE GIVEN?

In Islam, it is obligatory for a Muslim who has reached puberty, is of sound mind, and possesses wealth (such as money, gold, silver, trade goods, and grazing livestock) in excess of their debts and basic needs, reaching the nisab threshold and maintaining it for one lunar year, to pay zakat from that wealth (Fath Bab al-Ghina, vol. 2, pp. 5-7).

Zakat becomes obligatory when the following conditions are met:

• First, the wealth must reach the nisab amount. Nisab is the minimum amount of wealth that makes zakat obligatory. According to the fatwa of the Spiritual Administration of Muslims of Kazakhstan, the nisab is calculated based on the value of 85 grams of gold. Its value is determined according to the 585 standard set by the National Bank. Currently, this is approximately 1,285,000 tenge.

• A person whose wealth reaches the nisab is considered wealthy. Daily food, clothing, housing, means of transport, a dairy cow, books for study, and household utensils and appliances are considered basic needs.

• Second, the wealth that has reached the nisab must remain in the owner’s possession for one lunar year. The period is calculated according to the Islamic (Hijri) calendar. For example, the time from last Ramadan to this Ramadan is considered one year. It is not obligatory to pay zakat on wealth that has not been held for a full year.

• Third, the wealth that has reached the nisab and completed one year must be fully in the owner’s possession and at their disposal. Zakat is not due on lost wealth or wealth that cannot be recovered from others.

• Zakat is not paid on borrowed or entrusted property. However, money lent to others is still considered the owner’s wealth. If the debtor is trustworthy and the owner can recover the loan at any time, zakat must also be paid on such loans.

• Fourth, the owner must have the intention of trade for the wealth to be zakatable. That is, if a person intends to sell something and make a profit, zakat is due on it. If there is no intention to sell, no zakat is due, regardless of the item’s value. For example, no zakat is due on a house rented out, a factory, or expensive equipment used in production. Zakat is only paid on the rental income or profit generated from them.

Prepared by Hasan Amanqul