Zakat Questions and Answers
Examples: Marwan did some editorial work for a book publisher and charged them £3000. The publisher failed to pay him until 3 zakat years elapsed. When Marwan finally receives his payment, he calculates his zakat from the date he received the money, he does not owe zakat for the three previous years.
Amina's father died, leaving her a share of the inheritance. A relative disputed her share of the inheritance and the case went to court. After 4 years of legal wrangling, Amina finally received her share. Amina only pays zakat on the inheritance from the date she received it.
Someone owes me money for work I did for him, do I pay zakat on it?
No zakat is payable on money you are owed for work done until you receive the payment.
Similarly, zakat is not payable on a dowry that you have not yet received, or an inheritance share that you are due but has not come into your possession.