Shar‘i Ruling on Delaying Zakat and Its Consequences
📖 Source: Fatāwā Arkān al-Islām
The Question:
A man has not paid zakat for four consecutive years. What is the ruling in such a case, and what must he do now?
Answer:
Al-ḥamdu lillāh, waṣ-ṣalātu wa-s-salāmu ‘alā Rasūlillāh. Ammā ba‘d:
Ruling on Delay:
- Delaying zakat payment after it becomes due is a sin.
- In this case, the man who delayed for four years is sinful for this postponement.
Shar‘i Principle:
- Once zakat becomes obligatory, it must be paid immediately.
- The general rule for all wājib acts in Sharī‘ah is that they should not be delayed without a valid excuse.
What Must Be Done:
- Repentance:
- He must sincerely repent to Allah ﷻ for delaying this obligation.
- Immediate Payment:
- He must pay all outstanding zakat for the past four years without further delay.
- No Expiry:
- Zakat does not lapse with time; delaying only increases the sin until it is paid.
Conclusion:
Delaying zakat after it becomes due is sinful. The person must repent and immediately pay all missed zakat to clear his obligation and avoid further sin.
وَالله أعلم بالصواب
