Chapter on Paying Zakat
“It must be paid immediately when one is able to do so…”
The definite article in the word “zakat” refers to something understood from the context. We say this so that zakat al-fitr is not included, for its time of obligation and payment, as well as its prescribed amount, have already been explained. What is meant here by paying zakat is the zakat due on wealth.
“Paying zakat” means transferring it from one’s ownership to those entitled to receive it. The categories of wealth are gold, silver, trade goods, freely grazing livestock, and produce of the land.
“It must be paid immediately,” meaning without delay.
“When one is able to do so,” meaning when one is able to make the payment. What is intended here is that prompt payment is obligatory, not that the payment itself is obligatory, for that has already been established earlier.
The evidence that it must be paid immediately is that the basic principle concerning commands is that they require immediate compliance. The evidence for this principle includes the following:
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Allah says: “And hasten to forgiveness from your Lord.” [Al ‘Imran 3:133] And He says: “So race one another in good deeds.” [al-Baqarah 2:148]
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When the Prophet, peace and blessings be upon him, instructed the Companions during the Farewell Pilgrimage that those among them who had not brought sacrificial animals should leave their state of ihram, they delayed for a while, hoping