The time when Zakah is due

Q 1: I earned an amount of money in Rajab and want to pay the Zakah (obligatory charity) due on it in Ramadan. Is this permissible? This is because we recognize the needy more clearly in the month of Ramadan.

A: Zakah is due on both gold and silver currencies or any other currency replacing them such as banknotes and trade goods once they reach a Nisab (the minimum amount on which Zakah is due) and a Hijri year has passed. Accordingly, you are liable to pay the Zakah due on the amount of money you earned in Rajab by the month of Rajab of the following year to that in which you owned the Nisab. However, if you wish to pay in Ramadan of the year in which you owned the Nisab the Zakah due on the past period, i.e. two months, so that your Hijri year starts with Ramadan on account of the reason you mentioned above, it will be benefactory on your part. Moreover, if you wish to pay the Zakah due on your money for one year in advance before a complete Hijri year has passed for the same reason, it is also permissible in case there is an urgent need to pay it in advance. However, it is impermissible to delay payment of Zakah to Ramadan after Rajab of the year following to that in which you owned the Nisab, for by the coming of Rajab Zakah is obligatory to be paid at once. (Part No. 9; Page No. 393) May Allah grant us success. May blessings and peace be upon our Prophet Muhammad, his family and Companions!