Being indebted to people does not

Q 4: How can a person who puts his money in stocks pay Zakah (obligatory charity)? Does he pay Zakah on the profits? And should he pay Zakah immediately once a lunar year has passed? Or is it permissible to wait till Ramadan? What is the ruling?

A: A Muslim has to pay Zakah on both the capital and its profit immediately after the passing of a full lunar year, as Allah (Glorified be He) says: And perform As-Salât (Iqâmat-as-Salât), and give Zakât and obey the Messenger (Muhammad صلى الله عليه وسلم) that you may receive mercy (from Allâh). This Ayah (Qur'anic verse), as well as other Ayahs and Hadith to the same effect, oblige Muslims to pay Zakah immediately.May Allah grant us success. May peace and blessings be upon our Prophet Muhammad, his family, and Companions.