How is Zakat paid on money invested in pure stocks through Al Rajhi Trading, while having a monthly installment debt, and does debt exempt the debtor from Zakat?
Jurists have differed regarding the effect of debt on the obligation of zakat. The most sound opinion is that it does not prevent zakat. Thus, whoever possesses the nisab and a full year has passed on it, zakat becomes obligatory upon him, regardless of the extent of his debt. This view has been supported by many scholars, such as Al-Shafi'i, Ibn Baz, Ibn Uthaymeen, and the Permanent Committee, who based their arguments on the generality of the evidence, and on the fact that the Prophet, peace and blessings be upon him, did not instruct his zakat collectors to inquire about the debts of the wealth owners. Zakat is related to the essence of the wealth, while debt is related to one's liability; therefore, one does not prevent the other. Accordingly, you must pay zakat on the wealth that has reached the nisab and on which a full year has passed, even if you owe a debt.
Summarized from the full answer at Ftawy · reviewed Sep 2, 2026
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