I deposited a sum of money with

Q: I have never paid Zakah, even though it is known that Zakah is one of the pillars of Islam. I have been saving L.E. 3000 in Egypt for three years, and I have been working in Saudi Arabia for nine months and receive 1500 Riyals a month, half of which I save and the other half I send to my father, as he needs help. Is Zakah due on that sum of money? Is Zakah due on the sum of money in Egypt if the former is not? Is Zakah due on my current monthly income? Please keep in mind that the mentioned sum of money is not enough to buy and furnish a house, as I am planning to get married and I need help. What should I do? Please advise.

A: First, you should pay Zakah on the L.E. 3000 which you have saved in Egypt (Part No. 9; Page No. 275) for the last three years, even if you are saving this money to buy a house and get married, as long as you have not actually paid them for years. Second, the money you send to your father is not to be counted from Zakah. Third, you should pay Zakah on everything you save from your salary in Saudi Arabia if a Hawl (a lunar year) passes. Fourth, the Zakah due on this sum of money is a quarter of a tithe, meaning, 2.5% whenever a Hawl passes.May Allah grant us success. May peace and blessings be upon our Prophet Muhammad, his family, and Companions.