Title: Payment of Zaka'h Question: I hope you will be fine. My wife has got some jewelry upon which Zaka'h is due. But now-a-days my financial situation is such as it is difficult for me to pay that amount, or only can do so with burden on me. On the other hand I intend to pay the due amount as soon as the financial status becomes good. Please give the point of view of the Shari`ah ? Regards, M. Asif Answer: The Shari`ah requires us to fulfill the obligation of paying Zaka'h , as soon as it becomes due. If a person does not have adequate cash to fulfill his obligation of Zaka'h , and is also not in the hope of securing such a position, then he should consider selling a part of the jewelry and, thereby, fulfilling his obligations. On the other hand, if the person hopes to be in a position to be able to fulfill the obligation in some time, then he may defer the payment of Zaka'h for sometime. Nevertheless, in case the person decides to defer the payment of Zaka'h for sometime, then the amount of Zaka'h should be considered a loan on the person, who owns the assets (on which Zaka'h is due). It would, therefore, be highly advisable that the owner of the assets should prepare a will stating the amount due on account of Zaka'h , which should be deducted and apportioned as such from his/her wealth, in case of his/her death, before that wealth is distributed among his/her inheritors. I hope this helps. Regards, Moiz Amjad September 21, 2001