How is the zakat assessed on a house for which you gradually saved the price over 9 years, without remembering to pay zakat during that period? Is it calculated at 2.5% of the total house price or from the accumulated money at the end of each year? How is the zakat for each year estimated separately based only on the house price and the duration? Is it permissible to spend from the money while collecting for zakat? Is it obligatory to pay zakat before Umrah or other expenses?

1. Zakat (definition) is obligatory on saved wealth if a year has passed over it and it has reached the nisab (definition). Whoever has not paid it for past years must pay it immediately, as it does not lapse with time, whether the delay was due to ignorance or procrastination.

2. Zakat must be paid for each year separately. The amount can be estimated by reviewing the annual account statement.

3. Zakat that is doubted whether it was paid or not must be paid, because the obligation was incurred with certainty and can only be discharged with certainty.

4. One must hasten to pay the delayed Zakat as soon as one is able to, prioritizing it over expenses like 'Umrah (definition) and others, because it is a debt owed.