[Q 531] Nabaligh and Zakat Ruling

QUESTION:

A child who has not reached the age of puberty has a amount over the threshold to pay zakaat on over the period of one year would he need to pay zakaat on that?

ANSWER:

For Zakat (Zakaat – obligatory charity) to become Wajib (obligatory), reaching Bulugh (Baligh – puberty) is a condition. Therefore, if a Nabaligh (minor, one who has not reached puberty) possesses wealth equal to the Nisab (minimum threshold for Zakat), even then, due to being a minor, Zakat will not be Fard (obligatory) upon him.

Likewise, it is not Wajib upon his Wali (guardian/supervisor) to pay Zakat on his behalf.

Accordingly, it is stated in Bahar-e-Shariat:
“Nabaligh par Zakat Wajib nahi.”
(Zakaat is not obligatory upon a minor.)

Bahar-e-Shariat, Volume 01, Page 875, Maktabat-ul-Madinah, Karachi)

Answered by: Usman Madani (Ask Mufti scholar)
Translated answer
Date: 6th February 2026