Q: Is it permissible to discharge Zakaat on one’s Zakaatable wealth before the expiry of one complete lunar year?

A: In principle, Zakaat is obligatory upon the expiry of one complete lunar year if a person is sane, mature and owns the Nisaab amount.

However, it is permissible to discharge the Zakaat before the expiry of one lunar year subject to the following conditions:
1)    One has the intention of discharging Zakaat at the time of giving it to the poor person,
2)    One still owns the Nisaab at the end of the lunar year
3)    One must at least have some wealth in his net-possession  during the entire year
(Al Fatawaa Al Hindiyyah 1/176)

One should also note down the amount discharged in advance and compare this with the amount that is due at the end of the year. If the amount he has paid in Zakaat is less than the amount due, then one should pay out the difference.

And Allah Ta'ala Knows Best

Shafiq Jakhura (Mufti) and M Mangera (Mufti)
Fatwa Dept.