Functions as an investment institution

Q 2: A woman entered into a partnership with me to open a grocery store. The capital investment is split in half and the terms of the partnership are not defined. Seeing that I run the store, is it permissible for me to take from the profits in return for my work without the partner's knowledge? How much should I take for this work? How much should I pay Zakah (obligatory charity) on this store? Please inform me, and thank you very much.

A: You are not permitted to take from the profits of the grocery store unless you agree with your partner on a specified percentage that you take in return for running it. As for Zakah, it must be paid on the goods that are offered for sale. If their value reaches the Nisab (the minimum amount on which Zakah is due) and one year has passed, you must pay 2.5 % of the initial capital and profits to the poor in your country. May Allah grant us success. May peace and blessings of Allah be upon our Prophet Muhammad, his family and Companions!