Answered by: Maulana Mohammed Dilwar Hussain
Question:
If I helped someone pay off their debt but they didn’t physically ask me to pay it – he is currently in rehab – then do I pay Zakaat on that amount even though I might not get the money in the future – if he is able to pay me with time I will take – if not then I won’t hold him accountable
In the name of Allāh, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful
Answer:
To provide help to another is a reward worthy act. May Allāh Ta’ālā reward you for that.
“Be steadfast in Salāh (prayer), and pay Zakāh, and bow down with those who bow down (in worship and obedience)”. [Surah al-Baqarah; 2:43] [1]
If, after making the repayment, there is reasonable doubt that you will not be able to recuperate this money, then you may consider this amount as spent and no longer a part of your wealth.
If, however, later on, this person is able to repay you. Then, at that time you will need to backtrack the missed years of Zakāt (i.e., do Qadha of the missed years).
Only Allāh Ta’ālā knows best.
Written by Maulana Mohammed Dilwar Hussain
Checked and approved by Mufti Mohammed Tosir Miah
Darul Ifta Birmingham
}[1]وَأَقِيمُواْ ٱلصَّلَوٰةَ وَءَاتُواْ ٱلزَّكَوٰةَ وَٱرۡكَعُواْ مَعَ ٱلرَّٰكِعِينَ {