Section: On Paying Zakah

Among the most important rulings of zakah is to know its lawful channels, so that it is placed exactly where the Sharia intends and reaches those who are entitled to it, thereby clearing the giver’s liability.

Know, O Muslim, that you must hasten to pay zakah as soon as it becomes due on your wealth. Allah, the Exalted, says, “And pay the zakah,” and an unrestricted command implies immediacy. ʿAʾishah (may Allah be pleased with her) reported that the Prophet ﷺ said, “Whenever zakah becomes mixed with any wealth, it destroys it.” The poor person’s need likewise calls for prompt payment, and delaying it harms him. Furthermore, the one on whom zakah is obligatory may suddenly face impediments such as bankruptcy or death, leaving the zakah still a liability upon him,