Paying Zakat on previously lost jewellery

Nasihah (Advice): The real loss of family and property

Sayyiduna Ibn Umar Radhiyallahu Anhuma reports that Rasulullah Sallallahu Alayhi Wasallam said,“Whoever misses the ‘Asr Salaah (intentionally) then it is as if he lost his family and property.” (Bukhari)

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Question and Answer:

1. A woman lost her jewellery 20 years ago. Whilst moving houses, she found that very same jewellery which she had lost. Does she now have to pay Zakaat on the lost jewelry for the past 20 years?

(Question published as received telephonically)

1. In the enquired case, if the woman lost her jewellery 20 years ago and had no hope of finding it, Zakaat on the jewellery was not compulsory upon her for the past 20 years. (Shaami 2/226)

However, since she has now found her lost jewellery, Zakaat will be compulsory upon her only for the current year if she is paying zakat.

And Allah Ta’ala Knows Best

Mufti Ismaeel Bassa

Confirmation: 

Mufti Ebrahim Desai

(Islamic rulings on this Q&A newsletter are answered in accordance to the Hanafi Fiqh)