1. Is zakat obligatory on an apartment reserved in Dubai, or on a house owned in Pakistan and currently rented out? 2. What is the ruling on zakat if the reserved apartment in Dubai is sold for a higher price to buy another at a similar price to avoid selling the property in Pakistan? 3. If the husband sells gold he owns in November, and his zakat is due in February, how does he pay zakat on the money obtained from selling the gold? 4. What is the ruling on zakat for commercial investments made by the husband to gain profit, and when is zakat due if money is withdrawn from these investments, knowing that all investments will be withdrawn and the property and gold will be sold to pay 85% of the value of the apartment in Dubai?

First: Zakat is not obligatory on apartments intended for residence or rental. However, it is obligatory on properties intended for trade if a complete year has passed since their acquisition. The intention to sell due to need or for profit when an attractive price is available is not considered a trading intention that necessitates Zakat.

Second: If a nisab (minimum threshold) of gold is sold for cash, the hawl (one-year period for Zakat calculation) for the cash is the same as that for the gold. Therefore, Zakat becomes obligatory on it if it remains until the hawl is completed. If it is spent before then, no Zakat is due on it.

Third: Not all investments are subject to Zakat. Rather, Zakat is obligatory on commercial investments that aim to generate profit annually.

Fourth: The price of a sold apartment is not subject to Zakat unless it remains for a full year. As for the price of gold, Zakat is obligatory on it if it remains until the time for Zakat is due; otherwise, it is not. The Zakat year should be calculated according to the lunar calendar. Paying Zakat blesses wealth and increases it.