Paying zakat little by little

Question

Someone calculated his zakat, but the full amount that is due is not available to him. What will the method of paying zakat be in such a case? Will it be discharged if he keeps paying small amounts as he earns?

Answer

Once a year has passed over the zakat nisab, it is better to hasten the payment of the zakat on that nisab; and if it is given in portions — for example, given little by little to the poor during the year with the intention of zakat — that too is correct: [ar]وقيل فوري، أي واجب على الفور، وعليه الفتوى، فيأثم بتأخيرها بلا عذر، ظاهر الإثم بالتأخير ولو قل كيوم أو يومين، إلى أن…

Source: Fatawa Mahmudiyya

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