Zakaat on inheritance which one received after several years

Q: We inherited some jewellery from our parents, which was in the locker and after dad's death, we lost the access to the locker. Until recently we managed and weighed all jewellery and distributed among ourselves (we are four brothers and a sister) as per shariah. As no zakaat was paid on them since the father died, immediately two weeks after the distribution, my elder brother died. He didn't pay any zakaat on them. He had one wife, one son, three daughters. Are they supposed to pay zakaat for that unpaid 7 years period , and how shall they distribute among themselves?

A: Until one does not receive one's share of the inheritance, zakaat is not payable. Zakaat is only payable on the wealth after receiving one's share.

And Allah Ta'ala (الله تعالى) knows best.

 

Answered by:

Mufti Zakaria Makada

Checked & Approved:

Mufti Ebrahim Salejee (Isipingo Beach)