Zakaat on money paid for the purchase of a property which is kept by the attorney for security purposes

Q: If I have paid in full for a property, but it is still with the attorneys and hasn't yet been transferred onto my name as yet, is zakaat due on this money?

A: If the deal has been concluded between the buyer and the seller and the money is kept for security purposes by the attorney with the permission of the seller (until the transfer takes place), then the money no longer belongs to the purchaser. Hence, he (the purchaser) will not pay zakaat on the money.

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

Answered by:

Mufti Zakaria Makada

Checked & Approved:

Mufti Ebrahim Salejee (Isipingo Beach)