Do I Need to Pay Zakat on Unpaid Mahr from My Nikah?

No, you do not need to pay Zakat on unpaid Mahr.

Mahr (dower) is a fundamental right of the wife in Islam, and the husband is obligated to fulfill this commitment as part of the marriage contract. 

The following are the key points to consider:

• Zakat is due on fully possessed wealth. The wife does not yet own the unpaid Mahr, so it is not subject to Zakat.
• Mahr remains a debt to the husband – Since the Mahr is not yet in the wife's possession, she is not required to include it in her Zakat calculation.
• Zakat on Mahr is only applicable once received – If the wife receives her Mahr and it meets the nisab of Zakat, she must assess whether it remains in her possession for a full lunar year. If so, Zakat will be due.
• The husband is not required to pay Zakat on unpaid Mahr – The outstanding Mahr is a financial obligation, not an asset in his possession.
• Debts reduce Zakat liability – If the husband has other financial liabilities, including unpaid Mahr, he can deduct them from his wealth when calculating Zakat.
• Final ruling – Neither the husband nor the wife needs to pay Zakat on the Mahr until it is received and meets the necessary conditions for Zakat. Also, the husband can not give Zakat to his wife.

Hence, unpaid Mahr is not subject to Zakat for either spouse. The obligation arises only after the wife receives it and if it qualifies under the rules of Zakat. 

And Allah knows best.

Other Zakat Questions You May Have

• Is Zakat Required on Money Owed to Me?
• Is Zakat Obligatory for Children?
• How Long Should Mutual Funds or Shares be Held for Zakat?
• How to Settle the Full Outstanding Zakat Amount?
• Is a Full Year Necessary for Zakat to Become Important?
• Do I Pay Zakat on Money Lent to an Unreachable Borrower?