Zakat for a New Muslim and Past Years

Short answer: A new Muslim does not owe zakat for years before Islam, and their first hawl (one-year holding period) begins from the moment they possess nisab (minimum zakatable wealth) after embracing Islam. Details: Zakat is an obligation that Allah made compulsory for every Muslim (Sahih al-Bukhari 1454; Surah At-Tawbah 9:71). Before embracing Islam, a person was not bound by Islamic obligations. The Prophet (peace be upon him) told Hakim bin Hizam that his good deeds before Islam were preserved and rewarded upon becoming Muslim (Sahih al-Bukhari 1436). This principle indicates that past obligations are not transferred to the Muslim life; rather, Islam wipes away what came before. Therefore, no zakat is due for wealth held before the person's conversion. The first hawl begins when the new Muslim has nisab. If they had nisab at the moment of conversion, the year starts from that date. If they acquire nisab later, the year starts from the date of acquisition. Evidence: 1. Sahih al-Bukhari 1454: Zakat is made obligatory for every Muslim. This shows the obligation starts upon becoming Muslim. 2. Surah At-Tawbah 9:71: Zakat is an act of the believers, linking it to faith. 3. Sahih al-Bukhari 1436: The Prophet (peace be upon him) told a new Muslim that his past good deeds were rewarded, implying that obligations before Islam are not carried over. Disclaimer: This is based on the evidence provided; complex individual cases should be referred to a qualified scholar.