Zakah on the property shared among the inheritors

Q 1: My father died and left a sum of money of which I inherited a share as one of the heirs. I was given the authority to keep all the money until it is divided among the heirs. Now the question is: is there any Zakah (obligatory charity) due on this money, even without permission of the rest of the inheritors? Or, must I hold on to the entire money until each heir receives his due share?

A: Zakah is due upon the estate of the deceased, if the share of each one of the heirs reaches the Nisab (minimum amount upon which Zakah is due) or more. Each heir is bound to pay Zakah for that amount as long as they are adult and sane. It is also permissible if the heirs authorize one among them to pay Zakah on their behalf, and represent them in this respect. If there are underage heirs, then their legal guardian must pay Zakah on their behalf.May Allah grant us success. May Peace and Blessings of Allah be upon our Prophet Muhammad, his family and his Companions!