Islam teaches us that in the wealth we own, there are rights of others that must be fulfilled for social welfare. For this reason, Allah Swt obliges His people to pay zakat. All forms of property that we own are subject to zakat when it has reached the nisab and haul. This includes the inheritance that we get from our parents or relatives. Zakat on inheritance has been regulated by religion, what are the details? Check out the following explanation.
Friends, before learning more about inheritance zakat, it is better to learn first about how Islam views inheritance and how it is divided on this page: Inheritance According to Islam.
Amount of Inheritance Zakat That Must Be Paid
“Take zakat from some of their wealth, with which you cleanse and purify them, and pray for them. Indeed, your prayers are a peace for them.”
(QS. At-Taubah: 103)
Through the above verse, Allah Swt emphasises the obligation of a Muslim to pay zakat on his wealth, including inherited wealth. It also emphasises that zakat is not just a financial obligation, but also a means to achieve purity of soul and wealth, and strengthen social solidarity in society.
Inherited property itself is equated with rikaz or found property. The amount of zakat that must be paid on inherited property is 2.5 per cent of the property obtained.
Time to Pay Inheritance Zakat
Inheritance zakat is included in mal zakat. This zakat is recommended to be paid immediately after receiving the inheritance, with the aim that the benefits can be felt immediately by the beneficiaries. Paying inheritance zakat as soon as possible also prevents us from negligence such as forgetting to pay or using the money for other purposes.
Even so, there are still some people who choose to delay paying inheritance zakat immediately and choose to pay it at the same time as zakat fitrah in Ramadan. The reason is because they want to gain additional rewards as a good deed in Ramadan. This is not a problem, as long as we do not reduce the amount of zakat that must be paid.
Read also: Deliberately not paying zakat? This is the punishment you will get in this world and the hereafter
Inheritance that is not subject to Zakat
Inherited assets in the form of land, buildings, or life support are not subject to zakat. This rule is based on the Prophet’s hadith which reads:
‘A Muslim is not obliged to pay zakaah on his riding horse and his slave.’
(HR Bukhari Muslim)
The above Hadith shows that during the time of the Prophet, horses and slaves were not subject to zakaah. This is because horses and their slaves were considered as a means of transport and a source of livelihood, not assets subject to zakaah. However, if the horse or servant is used for commercial purposes, then there are different provisions.
Thus, land, buildings, vehicles, and facilities to support the necessities of life are not included in the assets that are subject to zakaah. Because these assets are not in the process of development. However, if the property is developed by reselling it, then it becomes a merchandise that must be zakaah every year.
Scholars’ Opinions on Inheritance Zakat
Imam Shafi’i’s Opinion on Inheritance Zakat
Imam Shafi’i is of the opinion that zakat must be paid on all assets, including inherited assets. If a Muslim receives an inheritance, then they are obliged to pay zakat on that property, if it has reached the nisab and one hijri year or haul has passed.
Imam Malik’s opinion
Imam Malik was also of the opinion that zakat should be paid on inherited property. He emphasised the importance of paying zakat as a form of social and spiritual responsibility.
Imam Abu Hanifah’s opinion
In Fatawa Al-Hindiyyah, Imam Abu Hanifah’s opinion on inheritance zakat is explained. He explains that this zakat must be paid by the heirs after the property becomes theirs and fulfils the conditions of zakat.
That is the explanation of the rules of inheritance zakat in Islam. Friends, don’t forget to pay your zakat through a trusted, trustworthy and credible institution. Why? So that your zakat is channeled right on target to people who really need it. You can pay your zakat easily and practically through Dompet Dhuafa. You can also access the report of the zakat you paid in the Dompet Dhuafa application. Read the full article here: Online Almsgiving App? Yes Dompet Dhuafa Apps!
