Making Up Missed Years of Zakat

Short answer: The provided evidence passages establish the obligation of zakat and the severe punishment for neglecting it (Surah At-Tawbah 9:34-35, Sahih Muslim 987a), but they do not give explicit instructions on how to calculate or make up missed years. Therefore, the following general ruling is based on the overarching principles from the evidence. Details: Zakat is a compulsory act of worship. If you missed it for past years, you must repent and pay what you owe as soon as possible. To calculate, you need to determine for each missed year: whether your wealth reached the nisaab (minimum threshold) as defined in Sahih al-Bukhari 1454 and other evidence (e.g., 5 uqiyas of silver, 5 wasqs of grain, 5 camels – see P1, P10), the zakat due (typically 2.5% on cash/gold/silver, specific rates for livestock etc. as per P1, P6, P7), and pay it for each year separately. However, the precise formulas for multiple missed years are not detailed in the supplied texts. Scholars recommend making a sincere estimation, and if exact figures are unknown, to estimate reasonably and pay. The hadith about hoarding (P3, P8) emphasize that zakat must be paid to avoid punishment. The refusal of some companions to pay (P5, P9) shows that the obligation is serious and must be enforced. Evidence: 1. Surah At-Tawbah 9:34-35 (P8) warns of painful torment for those who hoard wealth without paying zakat. 2. Sahih Muslim 987a (P2) states that on the Day of Resurrection, the wealth will be heated and used to brand the owner who did not pay zakat. 3. Sahih al-Bukhari 1397 (P12) includes zakat as one of the pillars of Islam. 4. Sahih al-Bukhari 1454 (P1) provides the detailed rates and nisaab for various types of wealth. 5. Sahih Muslim 979a (P10) sets the minimum thresholds for zakat. Disclaimer: This fatwa is based on the supplied evidence. For complex calculations involving multiple years and varying asset types, it is recommended to consult a knowledgeable scholar.