Dr. Attia Lashin, a member of the Al-Azhar Fatwa Committee, was asked about the zakat due on a bank deposit after the deposited amount reached the nisab and one lunar year had passed.
The question asked whether zakat should be paid only on the original deposit or on both the original amount and its return.
Dr. Lashin explained that the issue falls under the jurisprudential discussion of newly acquired wealth, with the ruling depending on the source of the additional money and whether it resulted from the original wealth.
Zakat on Wealth After Reaching the Nisab
Dr. Attia Lashin referred to the Quranic verse:
“And those who hoard gold and silver and do not spend it in the way of Allah—give them tidings of a painful punishment.”
He also referred to the reported statement concerning zakat:
“There is no zakat on wealth until a year has passed over it.”
Accordingly, reaching the nisab and completing the required period are among the fundamental considerations in determining when zakat becomes due.
Is Zakat Due on Both the Deposit and Its Return?
Dr. Lashin explained that the ruling depends on the nature of the newly acquired money and whether the original wealth contributed to generating it.
Scholars distinguish between different forms of newly acquired wealth when discussing this issue.
Wealth Generated Through the Original Capital
If additional wealth is generated through the operation or growth of the original wealth, and the original money contributed to producing it, zakat applies to both amounts when zakat becomes due, provided the additional money is still present at the time of payment.
Under this jurisprudential distinction, the additional amount does not necessarily require a separate full year if it is connected to the growth of the original wealth.
What If the Return Was Spent?
Dr. Lashin explained that if the return was spent on the person's living needs and none of it remained when zakat was due, the zakat would apply to the original wealth that remains subject to zakat.
Newly Acquired Wealth From an Independent Source
The second category is money acquired during the year without the original wealth having contributed to obtaining it.
Examples mentioned in the explanation include an inheritance, gift, bequest, or savings accumulated from a monthly salary.
In such cases, Dr. Lashin explained that the person has two approaches within the jurisprudential detail he cited.
Combining the New and Existing Wealth
The person may combine the newly acquired money with the original wealth and pay zakat at the end of the original wealth's year, including the new money that remains in his possession at that time.
Giving Each Amount Its Own Zakat Year
Alternatively, the person may give each amount its own separate zakat year, paying zakat on the original wealth when its year is completed and paying zakat on the newly acquired wealth when its own year is completed.
Who Can Receive Zakat?
Dr. Attia Lashin explained that the Quran specifies the categories entitled to receive zakat.
Allah says:
“Zakat expenditures are only for the poor, the needy, those employed to collect it, those whose hearts are to be reconciled, for freeing captives, those in debt, in the cause of Allah, and for the traveler.”
He also referred to the verse:
“And in their wealth is a recognized right for the needy and deprived.”
Zakat therefore represents an important form of social solidarity and provides a designated right to eligible recipients.
What Is Newly Acquired Wealth?
Newly acquired wealth refers to money obtained during the zakat year of existing wealth that has already reached the nisab.
Its treatment depends on its source. Money generated through the growth of existing wealth differs in its jurisprudential treatment from money acquired independently through inheritance, gifts, bequests, or personal savings.
Conclusion
According to the explanation provided by Dr. Attia Lashin, the zakat treatment of a bank deposit and its return depends on the nature and source of the additional money.
If the additional wealth is generated through the operation and growth of the original wealth and remains available when zakat is due, zakat applies to both according to the cited jurisprudential distinction.
If the return was spent and no longer remains, zakat applies to the original wealth that is still subject to zakat.
For newly acquired wealth from an independent source, such as inheritance, gifts, bequests, or salary savings, the cited jurisprudential view allows the person to combine it with the original wealth or give it a separate zakat year.
Is zakat due on a bank deposit after one year?
If the money reaches the nisab and the conditions for zakat are fulfilled, zakat becomes due according to the applicable Islamic rules.
Is zakat due on both the deposit and its return?
The answer depends on the nature and source of the return and whether it was generated through the original wealth.
What if the return was spent before zakat became due?
If none of the return remains at the time zakat is due, the zakat applies to the original wealth that remains subject to zakat, according to the explanation cited.
Is inherited money added to existing wealth?
Dr. Attia Lashin explained that inherited money is newly acquired wealth from an independent source, and he outlined the option of combining it with existing wealth or giving it a separate zakat year.
Who can receive zakat?
The Quran identifies eight categories, including the poor, needy, those employed to administer zakat, debtors, and travelers in need.
