How Should the Entire Unpaid Zakat Balance be Settled?

Fulfilling the obligation of Zakat is a serious duty in Islam and should not be delayed. 

The four major schools of Islamic thought—Hanafi, Shafi’i, Maliki, and Hanbali—agree that once Zakat becomes obligatory, it must be paid immediately. Any outstanding amount should be settled as soon as possible.

To clear unpaid Zakat, follow these steps:

• Calculate the total outstanding amount – Review past finances and determine how much Zakat is due for each missed year. If exact figures are unavailable, make a reasonable estimate.
• Prioritize its payment – Treat unpaid Zakat as an urgent debt that must be cleared. If possible, pay the full amount immediately.
• Pay in installments if needed – If paying the full amount at once is difficult, set up a plan to pay in regular installments while ensuring consistent progress.
• Distribute to eligible recipients – Ensure Zakat is given to those specified in the Quran, such as the poor, the needy, and other rightful beneficiaries.
• Seek forgiveness for delays – If Zakat was unintentionally delayed, sincerely repent and commit to paying it as soon as possible.

Since Zakat is a right of the less fortunate, settling unpaid amounts should be done with sincerity and urgency. By fulfilling this obligation, one ensures both financial and spiritual purification.

And Allah knows best!