Is it permissible for the zakat payer to deduct the costs of a surgical operation scheduled for a short while after the zakat-due date from the zakatable wealth?

Zakat is obligatory on wealth that meets its conditions and on which a full lunar year has passed. The intention of the zakat payer to spend the money on a future need does not affect its obligation, as Allah Almighty says: "And those in whose wealth there is a known right For the beggar and the deprived."

However, if a binding lease contract is concluded with the doctor, and the amount of the operation becomes a due debt, then it is not subject to zakat, whether it was paid before the completion of the year or not. Debt prevents zakat according to the majority of scholars. Concluding the contract before the completion of the year is not considered an evasion of zakat if that was not the intention. Disposing of wealth before the year through sale or gift is permissible, unless the intention was to evade charity.