How is the Zakat calculated for a large plot of land that was purchased for trade and profit, but its construction was delayed due to administrative procedures, knowing that the money reached the nisab and a full year has passed?

Land purchased with the intention of building upon it and selling it is considered a trade asset. Its zakat is calculated by appraising its value upon the completion of a hawl (lunar year) from the original capital used for its purchase. Its zakat is then disbursed at a rate of 2.5% of its value, and a delay in construction does not exempt it from zakat.

Funds allocated for construction are also subject to zakat.

If the land is impounded and cannot be disposed of, its zakat is treated as zakat on inaccessible wealth, and zakat is paid for one year upon its recovery.

However, if the land is available for use and disposal, it is subject to zakat as long as it has not been used for construction.

As for cash, once it reaches the nisab (minimum threshold) and a hawl passes over it, zakat becomes obligatory, even if it is designated for a specific purpose such as construction, marriage, or Hajj. This is in accordance with the saying of Sheikh Ibn Uthaymeen that zakat is obligatory on banknotes in all circumstances.