Is Zakaat payable on lost jewelry for previous years after it is found? 

Q. A woman lost her jewelry 20 years ago. She was moving to another house and she found her jewelry that she lost 20 years ago. Does she have to pay Zakaat on the lost jewelry that she found now for the past 20 years?

A. In the enquired case, if the woman lost her jewelry 20 years ago and she had no hope of finding it, Zakaat on the jewelry was not compulsory upon her for the past 20 years. (Shaami 2/226) However, since she has found her lost jewelry now, Zakaat on the jewelry will only be compulsory upon her for the current year if she possess the Zakaat Nisaab.

Allah Ta’ala Knows Best

Mufti Ismaeel Bassa

themufti.com