Title: Exemptions from Zaka'h Question: I am going to pay Zakah for the first time and want to pay it before Eidilfitri but I am not sure about a few things whether they are Zakatable . I have a car, a bank balance, house holdings like Jewelry, TV, furniture and other utensils. I have also given personal loans to my relatives free of interest for an unlimited period of time and I don't know when they are going to return. Now which of these item are needed to be paid Zakah for? I am working in Malaysia but I belong to another country and all my family members are living in my homeland. My second question is that, is it allowed to send the Zakah amount to my parents rather than paying locally, so that they can distribute it to the deserving people around them. Thanks for your time. May Allah reward you for your work. Zahoor Answer: As a principle, it should be kept in mind that Zaka'h is not applicable on any wealth or property, which is in the personal or business/commercial use of the owner. In view of the foregoing principle, your car, house, TV, furniture and other utensils shall not be included in your Zaka'table wealth. The Jewelry, which is generally worn by the members of your house shall also not be included in the Zaka'table wealth. From among the items that you have mentioned, you should pay Zaka'h on your bank balance and on the balance of the Jewelry that you own at the rate of 2.5% of the total wealth. Loans that you have given shall not be included in your assessed wealth. Finally, you may, if you so desire, send your assessed Zaka'h to another place for convenience of distribution. I hope this helps. Regards, Moiz Amjad December 7, 2001