What is the ruling on money saved for housing, marriage, medical treatment, and the like; is Zakat obligatory on it, with reference to the noble verse: "And they ask you what they should spend. Say: The surplus [beyond your needs]" and the Hadith: "There is no charity except from a state of wealth"?

First: Zakat (definition) is obligatory on money saved for basic needs if it reaches the nisab (definition) (minimum threshold) and a full lunar year (hawl) passes on it.

Second: This does not contradict the Almighty's saying: (And they ask you what they should spend. Say: "The surplus.") because this verse was revealed concerning voluntary charity, not obligatory charity. The intention is that a person should give in charity what exceeds their basic needs.

Third: This ruling does not contradict the Prophet’s (peace be upon him) saying: (The best charity is that which is given when one is rich.) Whoever possesses the nisab and a full lunar year passes on it is considered rich in Islamic law, and Zakat becomes obligatory upon them. Charity does not diminish wealth; rather, it increases its blessings.