It depends. If your zakatable assets exceed the nisab threshold, then yes, you must pay Zakat. Otherwise, no, Zakat is not due.
Zakat is an obligation on individuals whose zakatable assets remain above the nisab threshold for an entire lunar year, regardless of their employment status. This means that even if someone is unemployed, they are still responsible for paying Zakat if their wealth meets or exceeds the required threshold.
Although unemployment can create financial uncertainty, Zakat is based on what a person currently owns, not their income status. If a person’s savings, investments, or other zakatable assets remain above nisab when their Zakat date arrives, they must still fulfill this obligation.
However, if their assets fall below nisab before their Zakat due date, they are no longer required to pay. In such cases, they might even become eligible to receive Zakat rather than pay it.
Ultimately, Zakat is a test of wealth, not income, and is meant to purify one’s assets while helping those in need. And Allah knows best.
Still have questions?
Our typical response time would be within 5 days from the time your question was posted. Responses provided will be according to our Zakat policy.