Is Zakat obligatory on multiplying shares that an employee does not have the right to dispose of until after five years, and what is the Nisab for Zakat on shares, and how is Zakat calculated on them with the presence of taxes and national insurance? Is it permissible to delay paying Zakat due to insufficient funds, and upon whom does the responsibility of paying Zakat fall if the shares are jointly owned?

Firstly: Zakat is obligatory on shares if their owner intends to trade in them and they reach the nisab (equivalent to 595 grams of silver), in which case one-quarter of one-tenth (2.5%) of their market value is to be paid annually.

Secondly: If the shares are owned for their dividends without the intention of trading, then there is no Zakat on the principal of the share. Rather, Zakat is obligatory on the dividends if they are received and a hawl (one lunar year) passes over them, at a rate of 2.5%.

Thirdly: Shares that are not fully owned or whose disposal is restricted are subject to Zakat once, when they are sold or their value is redeemed, or when full ownership is acquired.

Fourthly: Zakat is obligatory on the owner, and the husband can voluntarily pay the Zakat on behalf of his wife.

Fifthly: Taxes are not deducted from Zakat. However, if multiplied shares are subject to Zakat upon their sale, then Zakat is paid on the remaining price after deducting taxes and insurance.

Sixthly: If someone owns shares and values them but does not have cash to pay Zakat, it is permissible for them to delay it until they obtain cash or sell the shares, while recording what is due. However, it is preferable to pay it promptly.