My mother has purchased a flat last year around February 2012 and for this whatever me, my two brothers and my dad earned was used in buying flat. We also took a loan from my brother in law around Rs Two lakhs and from my other elder sister Rs 20000/-. In August 2012 in Ramadan I got a new job and Alhamdulillah still working here. I and my dad have now saved say around Rs.1 lakh. I earn around Rs.10,000 approx per month. Now my question is will I have to pay zakah this Ramadan as it is going to be one full year with my job and money. And will I do qurbani this year in 2013. As mother says that we have loan upon us so until we clear the loans we cannot pay zakah nor we can do qurbani. Is it correct? What does Shariah say in this regard? We are not in the position to pay all the loans. We are planning to sell the flat and then pay. So it might take a year or two. So in this case until we clear the loan we will not be able to do these. Please help me and answer as Ramadan is near.
بسم الله الرحمن الرحيم
(Fatwa: 1031/809/B=1434)
Your mother is right. First you should pay your debt, and qurbani and zakah shall be wajib when you pay off your debt. After paying the debt if you have money equal to nisab then zakah and qurbani shall be wajib; otherwise not.
Allah knows Best!
Darul Ifta,
Darul Uloom Deoband