What is the ruling on giving zakah ahead of time, before it’s due date. I did some research and I found some replies which say it is permissible under certain circumstances. I spoke with one imam and he said no you cannot give zakah ahead of time, if you give it then it will be considered as sadaqah. And recently another imam said yes it is permissible, otherwise the needy people will have to wait for one year to receive the zakah. And they will find it difficult and they will struggle without timely financial support. Please suggest.
بسم الله الرحمن الرحيم
(Fatwa: 810/793/H=08/1437)
If you are sahib-e-nisab then zakah shall be wajib after passing one year. However if you pay zakah before passing the year, then too it shall be paid.
Allah knows Best!
Darul Ifta,
Darul Uloom Deoband