How is the zakat calculated for an amount saved in a company that deducts a portion of the salary and saves an equivalent amount, with the possibility of withdrawing certain percentages of it after specific periods, and is zakat obligatory on it if the law does not allow its withdrawal except as a loan to be repaid from the salary?

A savings scheme is permissible if the company does not benefit from the money, but rather safeguards it or invests it for the employee in a Sharia (definition)-compliant manner. Otherwise, it is forbidden if it mixes with company funds or is invested in usurious banks.

Zakat (definition) is obligatory on the amount deducted from the employee's salary by his choice. As for the amount contributed by the company, Zakat is not obligatory on it until it is received, due to the lack of full possession, and he pays Zakat on it for one year. As for investment accounts, Zakat is obligatory on the balances and profits whenever their conditions are met, even if there is a restriction on withdrawal.

In the case of a forbidden scheme, one must withdraw from it immediately. Zakat is obligatory on the permissible money taken from the employee and what the company added, excluding usurious profits, which must be disposed of.