Considering taxes as part of Zakah

Q 1: Many people here in Egypt do not pay Zakah (obligatory charity) on the pretext that the country collects taxes instead. Is this sufficient, especially that the country does not collect Zakah from people? If this is not sufficient, should they pay it by themselves? How should they pay it?

A: The taxes imposed by the government does not exempt the people whose properties have reached the Nisab (the minimum amount on which Zakah is due) and a lunar year passes on this Nisab. They should pay Zakah and distribute it in the lawful channels which Allah (Exalted be He) has mentioned in His saying, As-Sadaqât (here it means Zakât) are only for the Fuqarâ’ (poor), and the Masâkin (needy) May Allah grant us success. May peace and blessings be upon our Prophet Muhammad, his family, and Companions.