Hadith Text & Reference

The Messenger of Allah said: "Whoever acquired wealth, then there is no Zakat on it until the Hawl has passed (while it is in his possession)."

Source: Jami` at-Tirmidhi 631 | The Book on Zakat

Meaning of Key Terms

Hawl: The Islamic lunar year (approximately 354 days) that must pass while wealth remains in one's possession before Zakat becomes obligatory.

Acquired Wealth: Refers to wealth that reaches the nisab (minimum threshold) and is freely possessed by the owner.

Scholarly Commentary

This hadith establishes the fundamental condition of Hawl (one lunar year) for Zakat obligation on wealth. The wisdom behind this waiting period ensures the wealth is genuinely established and not merely transient.

Scholars agree this applies to monetary wealth, trade goods, and livestock. Exceptions include agricultural produce and minerals, which have different Zakat rules.

The year begins when wealth first reaches the nisab threshold and continues uninterrupted. If wealth falls below nisab during the year, the Hawl count resets.

Legal Implications

No Zakat is due on wealth that hasn't completed a full Hawl, protecting people from obligation on temporary possessions.

The Hawl requirement ensures Zakat is taken from established, productive wealth rather than fleeting assets.

This ruling applies to gold, silver, cash, and commercial merchandise when they meet the nisab requirement.