Is Zakat obligatory on uninvested lands and properties that yield no income or return?
There is no on lands and real estate unless they are prepared for sale and trade. Their zakat is calculated by appraising them at the completion of the hawl (one lunar year) and giving one-quarter of one-tenth (2.5%) of their value. However, if they are prepared for personal use or for work, such as renting without the intention of selling, there is no zakat on them. Trade goods are everything prepared for trade of any kind, and zakat is obligatory on them due to the generality of Allah Almighty's saying: "And in their wealth is a rightful share for the beggar and the deprived," and the Prophet's (peace be upon him) saying to Mu'adh: "Inform them that Allah has enjoined upon them a charity in their wealth." Trade goods are wealth. Furthermore, the intention for trade is the basis. So, whoever buys something with the intention of trade, zakat becomes obligatory on it if it reaches the (minimum threshold). However, if one buys it for personal use and then decides to sell it, there is no zakat on it, as reported by Samurah ibn Jundub: "The Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) commanded us to give charity from what we prepare for sale."
Summary from Ftawy's records · added here
Reviewed by El Fatwa's sharia committee.
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- Summary from Ftawy's records, reviewed by El Fatwa's sharia committee.
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