Dr. Mahmoud Shalaby, Fatwa Secretary at the Egyptian Dar Al-Ifta, received a question from a viewer about zakat on an apartment with a monthly rent of 5000 EGP, fully spent on family needs.

Shalaby explained that zakat is one of the fundamental pillars of Islam, citing the Prophet’s words: “Islam is built on five pillars,” including zakat, and the Quranic verse: “Establish prayer and give zakat.”

He outlined the main types of zakat:

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  Zakat on wealth

  
  


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  Zakat on crops and fruits

  
  


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  Zakat on trade

  
  


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  Zakat on rentals

  
  


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  Zakat al-Fitr

  
  

He emphasized that zakat on wealth is only obligatory if three conditions are met:

1. 
   

   Ownership of wealth that reaches nisab (85 grams of 21-carat gold).

   
   


2. 
   

   Completion of one lunar year on the wealth.

   
   


3. 
   

   The wealth must be surplus to essential needs of the person and their dependents.

   
   

Regarding the viewer’s question, Shalaby clarified that the apartment itself is not subject to zakat as it is not intended for sale, and zakat only applies to rental income if the conditions are fulfilled. Since the rent is fully spent on household needs, does not reach nisab, and a lunar year has not passed, zakat is not obligatory.

Shalaby added that any saved portion of the rent is subject to 2.5% zakat if it meets the conditions. For instance, saving 1000 EGP would require 25 EGP in zakat.