What happens if I don't pay zakat?
Not paying zakat when it is due is a major sin, and the zakat stays owed until you pay it. Zakat is one of the five pillars of Islam, and the Quran and hadith give serious warnings to people who withhold it. But the door of repentance is open: pay what you owe and turn back to Allah.
A pillar, not an optional extra
The Prophet ﷺ said Islam is built on five things, and giving zakat is one of them (Sahih al-Bukhari 8). Zakat is only due once your wealth reaches the nisab and a lunar year has passed, so it is asked of people who can afford it. See How much money do I need before I have to pay zakat?
The warnings in the Quran and hadith
The next verse describes that wealth being heated in Hellfire and used to brand their foreheads, sides and backs (Quran 9:35). The Prophet ﷺ said that whoever is given wealth and doesn't pay its zakat will find it on the Day of Judgement as a huge bald snake that wraps around him and bites his cheeks, saying, "I am your wealth, I am your treasure" (Sahih al-Bukhari 1403). A similar warning about gold and silver comes in Sahih Muslim 987.
Neglecting it vs denying it
- Not paying out of laziness or greed: a major sin, but scholars agree the person is still a Muslim.
- Denying that zakat is an obligation: knowingly rejecting a clear pillar of Islam is far more serious and touches on faith itself.
- Not knowing: a new Muslim who didn't know the rule isn't sinful for that, but should pay once they learn. See Do I have to pay zakat as a new Muslim?
How to put it right
Unpaid zakat doesn't disappear with time. Work out a fair estimate for every year you missed, pay it, and sincerely repent. Allah accepts those who turn back to Him. See What if I forgot to pay zakat for years? If paying everything at once is hard, scholars allow you to pay it off in instalments, as long as you start now.
- Zakat is one of the five pillars of Islam.
- Withholding it is a major sin with serious warnings.
- Missed zakat stays owed and must be paid back.
- Repentance and making it up clear the slate.
People also ask
Should I give zakat to one person or many?
Most scholars say you can give all your zakat to one person or spread it among many. See the Shafi'i view and when each choice works best.
Read the full answer →What is zakat on crops and harvests?
Zakat on crops (ushr) is 10% of a rain-fed harvest or 5% if irrigated at a cost, paid at harvest once it reaches about 650 kg. Here's how it works.
Read the full answer →Can I give zakat to refugees?
Yes, you can give zakat to Muslim refugees in need: they often count as poor, needy, debtors or stranded travellers. Non-Muslims can get sadaqah.
Read the full answer →Do I pay zakat on an inheritance I just received?
Zakat on an inheritance isn't due right away: most scholars start its zakat year when you receive it; Hanafis add it to your usual zakat date.
Read the full answer →Can I use zakat to pay off someone's debt?
Yes, zakat can pay off someone's debt if they can't repay it, since debtors are a zakat group. You can usually pay the lender directly with consent.
Read the full answer →