Discharging zakaat in the same month one receives zakaatable wealth
Q: I received jewellery in different months of the year and gave the zakaat for it only in Ramadaan. Should it be weighed and valued at that gold amount in the specific month it was given to you? For the last 4 years that I gave my zakaat will I be sinful for it not given at the due month? (I have given extra).
A: Whenever you receive any zakaatable wealth (money, gold or silver jewellery, etc.), then you do not have to discharge the zakaat of the wealth in the same month.
Rather, the Islamic ruling is that one should calculate his zakaat on his zakaat date and thereafter begin discharging the zakaat. One has the entire year to discharge the zakaat of his wealth. Before the following year's zakaat date, one should ensure that all his zakaat is discharged.
If you wish, you may discharge the zakaat in the month of Ramadhaan as there is more reward for giving charity in the month of Ramadhaan compared to other months of the year. However, if you find any deserving person during the year, then you may give zakaat to such a person and fulfill their need. You don't have to delay your zakaat for the month of Ramadhaan in order to assist the needy person. This will also be greatly rewarding.
And Allah Ta'ala (الله تعالى) knows best.
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