Q. Can we retain a portion of our zakah so that we can help in financing the marriage of a poor Muslim girl, as and when it occurs during the next year?
Z.A.M., Jeddah
A. When zakah becomes due, the amount to be paid is no longer owned by the person concerned. He can only set it aside and pay it to its recipients, as indicated in the Qur’an.
Therefore, it must be paid out without delay. The payer may retain it while making enquiries as to whom he should pay it, or while arranging its transfer. But no delay is permissible. The sooner it is paid out, the better.
However, if one has paid out his zakahand some situation occurs which requires financial help, he should do so in any way he can.
If the help required is financial and the purpose is a legitimate zakah purpose, then he can pay some or all of his zakah for the current year, even though it is not yet due. He can deduct it from his zakah liability when he calculates at the appropriate date. It is permissible to pay zakah in advance, but not to retain it in order to cater for unforeseen emergencies.
