The obligation of zakat and the requirement to pay immediately are distinguishable questions. One juristic position requires prompt payment once it becomes due, because delaying relief to eligible recipients can harm them.
A reported position of Abu Hanifa allows scope concerning the timing of discharge, while prompt performance is also attributed to Abu Yusuf and Muhammad. This disagreement concerns the timing of payment, not whether zakat is obligatory.
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The Book of Zakat: Obligation, Liability Conditions and Intention
The obligation of zakat and the requirement to pay immediately are distinguishable questions. One juristic position requires prompt payment once it becomes due, because delaying relief to eligible recipients can harm them.
A reported position of Abu Hanifa allows scope concerning the timing of discharge, while prompt performance is also attributed to Abu Yusuf and Muhammad. This disagreement concerns the timing of payment, not whether zakat is obligatory.