Is Zakat obligatory on a vacant plot of land designated for sale, purchased eight years ago? And is it obligatory to pay Zakat for each past year? And what is incumbent upon the owner if he is unable to pay Zakat for the previous period?

Zakat is obligatory on land prepared for sale every year, according to its value. Its value is estimated by consulting experts at the completion of the hawl (one lunar year). If the owner is in hardship, the Zakat is postponed until money becomes available or the sale is completed, based on the Almighty's saying: "And if there is one in hardship, then grant him respite until ease." As for land intended for residence, or whose intention for sale is not firm, or land designated for rent or agriculture but this has not yet materialized, there is no Zakat on it. When funds become available from any source, or the land is sold, Zakat for all past years must be paid, with the land's value estimated for each year separately.