Is the intention to sell shares when needed for trading purposes subject to trade zakat on them, and if so, how can past years be purified? Is it permissible to rely on previous zakat lists for shares with the intention that any additional charity will be counted towards the obligatory zakat?

A Muslim must seek to adhere to Islamic law in their dealings. Therefore, it is impermissible to invest in companies whose transactions are prohibited by Sharia.

The Zakat on shares differs according to the nature of the company: 1. If the assets are fixed (such as rented real estate or factory machinery): If the intention is to benefit from the income: There is no Zakat on the share's principal, but Zakat is due on the income if it reaches the nisab (minimum threshold) and a hawl (one lunar year) passes over it. If the intention is to trade in the share itself: Zakat is due on both the principal and the profit at the end of the hawl. Thus, the value of the shares along with their profits are subject to Zakat. 2. If the assets are trade goods: Zakat on trade goods is due from the shareholder at the end of each hawl.

If the shares are purchased with the intention of benefiting from their income, then there is no Zakat on them, unless the company's shares are trade goods.

To determine the value of the share, inquire with the company about its value at the end of the hawl. Then, pay a quarter of a tenth (2.5%) of the value of the shares along with their profits if they are for trade, or from the profit only if they are for benefiting from the income. Efforts must be made to determine the exact amount of Zakat and pay it in full.