Is Zakat Required for Children?

Whether Zakat is obligatory for children depends on the interpretation of different Islamic schools of thought. 

Here’s a breakdown of the views across various schools:

• Hanafi School of Thought:
• Zakat is not obligatory on children who have not reached puberty.
• The rationale is that children are not legally responsible for financial obligations until they mature.
• Any wealth owned by a child is exempt from Zakat until they come of age.
• Maliki, Shafi’i, and Hanbali Schools of Thought:
• Zakat is obligatory on the wealth of children, even if they are under the age of maturity.
• These schools maintain that a child's wealth if it reaches the minimum threshold (nisab) for Zakat, must be purified by paying Zakat.
• The obligation arises from the understanding that wealth is still considered the child’s property, and Zakat serves to purify it, regardless of age.

The key difference is that while the Hanafi school exempts children from Zakat, the Maliki, Shafi’i, and Hanbali schools emphasize that children must pay Zakat on their wealth if it meets the nisab requirement. It is important to note that views on Zakat for children may differ based on the school of thought one follows. 

And Allah knows best.

 Other Zakat Questions You May Have

• Who Is Responsible for Paying Zakat as a Sole Trader?
• Is Zakat Required on Unpaid Mahr from My Nikah?
• Is Zakat Required on Money Owed to Me?
• 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?