Dear respected Shaykh, assalamu alaikum wa rahmatullahi wa barakatuh. What is the ruling of paying Zakat in monthly installments? إخراج الزكاة على دفعات شهرية

Praise be to Allah, and may Allah’s peace and blessings be upon the Messenger of Allah, his family and his companions. Wa alaikum assalam wa rahmatullahi wa barakatuh. As to what follows: In response to your question, we say:   There are two views of the scholars on the issue. Firstly: The majority of the scholars are of the opinion that it is not permissible to delay in giving Zakat and it should be given as soon as it is due. However, these scholars  allowed a slight delay like half a day or a day. Secondly: It is permissible to give Zakat in installments like a person who gives his relative a part of his Zakat on a monthly basis. This view was transmitted in a narration from Ahmad  and was mentioned by the author of al-Insaf. The second opinion is strong and is applicable when there is need or benefit in giving Zakat in monthly installments. It can be deduced from Allah’s statement “And do not give the weak-minded your property” [an-Nisa 4: 5]. The safe way out which is consistent with the opinion of the majority of the scholars is that the Zakat for the coming year should be given to the poor person in the form of a monthly salary.