I am a citizen of India like any other citizens of the country and am a tax payer as most of the people here. I am paying income tax ranging from 25,000 to 75,000 though my zakah will not exceed Rs.20, 000. Am I still liable to pay zakah under Islamic Shariah since the purpose of income tax and zakah are more or less same? Please reply with authority.
بسم الله الرحمن الرحيم
(Fatwa: 1047/812/D=9/1434)
You will have to pay zakah though you pay income tax. Zakah is ordained by Allah and it is meant for the benefit of the poor and needy ones. Every Muslim who owns nisab must pay zakah.
Allah knows Best!
Darul Ifta,
Darul Uloom Deoband