The Narrations Regarding the Obligation of Zakat on a Minor’s Wealth Are Weak
By: Imran Ayub Lahori❖ The Narrations on Zakat on a Minor's Wealth: A Critical Review
In the discussion of whether Zakat is obligatory on the wealth of a minor (نابالغ), certain narrations are commonly cited. However, a closer examination of their chains of transmission reveals that these narrations are weak and unreliable. Below is a detailed analysis:
➊ Narration 1
"من ولى يتيما فليتجر له ولا يتركه تاكله الصدقة"
“Whoever becomes the guardian of an orphan, let him engage in trade on his behalf and not leave his wealth to be consumed by Zakat.”
References & Grading:- Irwa’ al-Ghalil: 788
- Tirmidhi: 641
- Dar Qutni: 2/109
- Bayhaqi: 4/107
Chain Weakness:This narration includes Muthanna bin Sabah (مثنی بن صباح) in its chain, who is a weak narrator.
Mizān al-Iʿtidāl: 6/19 confirms his weakness, hence this narration cannot be relied upon in matters of legal rulings.➋ Narration 2
"ابتغوا فى أموال اليتمى لا تاكلها الصدقة"
“Invest the wealth of the orphans so that Zakat does not consume it.”
References:- Tarteeb al-Musnad li al-Shafiʿi: 1/224
- Bayhaqi: 4/107
Type of Narration:This narration is Mursal, meaning it lacks a link between the successor (تابعی) and the Prophet ﷺ. Therefore, it is not admissible as binding evidence.
Al-Sayl al-Jarrar: 2/11 also confirms its non-authoritative status.❖ Conclusion
◈ The commonly cited narrations that are used to prove the obligation of Zakat on a minor’s wealth are either weak in chain or Mursal (disconnected), and thus do not qualify as valid evidence in matters of Fiqh.
◈ Scholars have noted these deficiencies and do not base obligatory rulings upon such narrations.
◈ Caution and scholarly rigor must be observed in using Hadith evidence for establishing religious obligations, especially in matters involving financial duties like Zakat.
