Support IslamQA

Please contribute generously in order to ensure the continuity of our website InshaAllah.

Savings in the Post Office – how should he pay zakaah?

28-04-2005

Question 70315

I have some money in the Post Office that does not reach the nisaab, and I went to an Islamic bank and put some money there. How should I calculate my zakaah, knowing that the two amounts together reach the nisaab?.

Answer

Praise be to Allah.

Firstly: 

It is not permissible to put money in the Post Office, or in riba-based banks that take interest and give it to depositors. The one who deposits his money in either of them will not be free from that; either he will be consuming riba or paying it, or doing both. 

It was narrated that Abu Juhayfah (may Allaah be pleased with him) said: The Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) cursed the one who consumes riba and the one who pays it. 

Narrated by al-Bukhaari, 5032. 

Secondly: 

Whoever owns an amount of money that reaches the nisaab – even if it is separated, with some in one place and some in another – is obliged to pay the zakaah on it when one year has passed. The reckoning of the year begins from the day when the money reaches the nisaab. When one full hijri year has passed, the zakaah must be paid, at a rate of one-quarter of one-tenth (2.5 %). 

And Allaah knows best.

On What is Zakah Due Interest Investment
Show on Islam Q&A website.