Subject : Belongings Meant for Keeping aren`t Liable for Zakah

Fatwa Number : 445

Date : 24-01-2010

Classified : Who is Obliged to Pay Zakah and what is the Amount

Fatwa Type : Search Fatawaa

Question :

My neighbor has two cars. He makes a living by one and he is keeping the other for his little boy until the latter grows up. His boy became a man but the car is still in safekeeping. Is Zakah due on it knowing that twenty-five years ago it was worth twenty millions; i.e. ten times the Nisaab of Zakah, but nowadays it is fifty millions; i.e. almost twice the Nisaab?

The Answer :

Praise be to Allah, the Lord of the Worlds.

Cars intended for keeping and personal use aren`t liable for Zakah no matter how high their value gets since amongst the principles of Zakah is that it is due only on growing wealth {Items set for trade}. Abu Huraira narrated that Allah's Messenger (Blessings and peace of Allah be upon him) said: "There is no Zakat either on a horse or a slave belonging to a Muslim." {Related by Bukhari}. An-Nawawi (May Allah have mercy on him) said: "This narration indicates that there is no Zakah on belongings meant for keeping" {Shareh Muslim, 7/55}.

Accordingly, no Zakah is due on the above car, even if its owner isn`t using it. Rather, his son will be using it in the future. However, if the father aims to evade Zakah, then Allah will hold him to account as He the Almighty Says: "And keep your opinion secret or proclaim it, lo! He is Knower of all that is in the breasts (of men). Should He not know what He created ? And He is the Subtile, the Aware." {Al-Mulk, 13-14}. And Allah The Almighty Knows Best.

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