Zakat on Wealth of Orphans

“I once asked abu ’Abd Allah (a.s.), about the assets of the orphans if there is Zakat on it. He (the Imam) said, ‘If it (asset) is not active (not used in business) Zakat is not due on it. If you use it in business, then you are responsible for it and its profit belongs to the orphan.’”

“I once asked abu ‘Abd Allah (a.s.), about the assets of orphans which are with me and I use it in business. He (the Imam) said, ‘If you move it, its Zakat is up on you.’ I then said, ‘I move it for eight months and leave it for four months.’ He (the Imam) said, ‘Zakat due on it is on you.’”

“I once asked abu ‘Abd Allah (a.s.), if there is Zakat on orphan’s assets. He (the Imam) said, ‘No, Zakat is not due unless it is used in business or is made to work.’”

“I once heard abu ‘Abd Allah (a.s.), say, ‘Zakat is not due on orphans’ assets even when they become adults; they are not liable for Zakat of the previous years or of the remaining time, but when they become adults, they are required to pay Zakat. They are held responsible as others are held responsible.’”

“Zakat is not due on loans people owe to orphans’ as well as on the orphans immoveable assets; however, it is obligatory to pay Zakat for the orphans’ grains.’”

“I once heard abu ‘Abd Allah (a.s.), say, ‘Zakat is not due on the assets of orphans unless it is used in business, in which case the profit belongs to the orphans’ and if it (using it in business) is assigned to someone, then Zakat is upon the one who uses it in business.’”

“I once sent (a letter) to abu ‘Abd Allah (a.s.), to find out when Zakat becomes obligatory for the assets of my small brothers. He (the Imam) said, ‘When Salah (prayer) becomes obligatory up on them, Zakat also become obligatory; however, in the case of those of them on whom Salah (prayer) is not obligatory but their asset is used in business, you must pay Zakat for such assets.’”

“I once wrote to abu al-Hassan, al-Rida’ (a.s.), and asked about the executor of the will if it is obligatory on him to pay Zakat of al-Fitrah for the orphans if they have assets. He (the Imam) wrote to me, ‘Zakat is not due on orphans.”