Is Money Saved for Hajj Subject to Zakah

AL-ISLAM FATWA BANK

Ramadan

Is Money Saved for Hajj Subject to Zakah?

I plan to go for Hajj this year, in sha’ Allah. Do I have to pay Zakah on the money I have at present, which will pay for my Hajj? This amounts to approximately US $3,500. Thanks.

Dr. Monzer Kahf

In the Name of Allah, Most Gracious, Most Merciful.

All praise and thanks are due to Allah, and peace and blessings be upon His Messenger.

Brother, we do really commend your interest in Islam and its teachings. Also, we greatly appreciate your question, which reflects your care about Hajj and Zakah, two of the pillars of Islam.

In response to your question, Dr. Monzer Kahf, a prominent economist and counselor, says:

“Upon the end of a lunar year (354 days) from the day you had a nisab (the amount of money that is subject to Zakah), you are required to pay Zakah on all the money you have, provided you have at the end of the year a nisab or more. The nisab is about US $ 1,000.

The only exception is a contracted debt that has to be paid from the amount you have at the end of the year. If you didn’t contract a Hajj travel agent before the end of the year and the amount of the contract becomes a debt on you that is to be paid from the money you had at the end of the year, you do not deduct the money you want to spend on Hajj. The amount of Zakah on US $ 3,500 is only US $ 87.50, which is much less than the visa charge you pay to the Saudi Consulate."

If you are still in need of more information, don't hesitate to contact us. Do keep in touch. May Allah guide us all to the straight path!

Allah Almighty knows best.

Source: www.quranforall.org