When and How Does One Determine the Value of a Zakatable Asset?
GENERAL RULE: Zakât is calculated based on the market value of an asset and distributed immediately upon due date. For example, one determines the market value of gold, a stock portfolio, trade goods, or luxury items in excess of personal use (i.e. jewelry, art, collections, etc.) as of the Zakât due date. If one delays calculating Zakât on shares whose prices fall or rise, Zakât is still paid on the market value as of the due date (Zakât Calculation, 30-31). Commercial commodity values are their wholesale price on the Zakât due date, whether they are designated retail or wholesale and whether they are higher or lower than the retail price. This is a majority opinion.
