Answered by Shaykh Yūsuf Badāt
Question:
Is it permissible to pay zakāh (mandatory charity) on a monthly basis instead of all at once? Appreciate your input. Thanks!
Answer:
بِسْمِ اللَّـهِ الرَّحْمَـٰنِ الرَّحِيمِ
Your concern for proper practice of religious tenants is admirable.
Your question relates to discharging zakāh in advance (taking out zakāh prior to being fardh at the conclusion of one’s fiscal lunar year).
To discharge zakāh in advance is permissible. Both methods (instalments or lump sum) would be permitted.
“It is reported by ‘Alī (may Allāh be pleased with him) that Abbās (may Allāh be pleased with him) asked the Prophet (peace and blessings upon him) regarding the advance payment of zakāh, prior to it becoming fardh (obligatory), so he granted permission to him for that” (Tirmidhī, Abū Dāwūd, Ibn Mājah, Musnad Ahmed, Hākim, Kanz Al ‘Ommal)
‘Alī (may Allāh be pleased with him) narrated the Prophet (peace be upon him) stated, “Our people were in need (of basic necessities), so we requested ‘Abbās (ra) to take out the zakāh in advance for two years” (Bayhaqī, Talkhīs)
It may be important to note that if one is discharging zakāh in advance, one should ensure, the amounts should be adjusted and discharged appropriately, especially if there is a shortfall, after calculating one’s assets and savings at the end of the lunar fiscal year.
And Allāh Knows Best