Can a Muslim pay zakat even if his wealth is less than nisab?
The question of whether a Muslim can pay zakat when their wealth is less than the nisab (the minimum amount of wealth one must possess before being obligated to pay zakat) is addressed differently in Sunni and Shia scholarship.
According to Sunni scholarship, as reflected in the hadith narrated in Sunan Abu Dawud, Zuhair narrated from the Prophet (peace be upon him): 'Give one quarter of the tithe from every forty dirhams, one dirham, and it is not obligatory upon you until it reaches two hundred dirhams. When it reaches two hundred dirhams, five dirhams are due on it, and whatever exceeds is calculated accordingly.'
Sunan Abu Dawud 9:17 This indicates that zakat is not obligatory until the wealth reaches the nisab, which is typically set at two hundred dirhams. Therefore, those with less than this amount are not required to pay zakat.
In contrast, Shia scholarship, as reflected in Al-Kafi, states: He said: Zakat is permitted for the owner of seven hundred dirhams and forbidden for the owner of fifty dirhams. I asked: How does this come about? He said: If the owner of seven hundred dirhams has many dependents, dividing it among them would not suffice, so he should forgive himself and take zakat for his dependents. However, the owner of fifty dirhams is forbidden zakat if he is alone, professionally employed, and earns enough to support himself, God willing.
Al-Kafi 5:253 This suggests that while zakat is generally not obligatory at lower amounts, it is permitted for those who may have dependents and are in need, thus allowing some flexibility in dire situations.
In summary, while both traditions agree that zakat is not obligatory for those whose wealth is less than the nisab, Shia scholars do allow for the possibility of receiving zakat under certain conditions, particularly for those with dependents. For a ruling that applies to your specific situation, consult a qualified local scholar.
Sources
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Sunan Abu Dawud 9:17
Sunan Abu Dawud · Book 9, Hadith 17 · Narrated by Ali
Zuhair narrated from the Prophet (peace be upon him): "Give one quarter of the tithe from every forty dirhams, one dirham, and it is not obligatory upon you until it reaches two hundred dirhams. When it reaches two hundred dirhams, five dirhams are due on it, and whatever exceeds is calculated accordingly. Regarding sheep, every forty sheep require one sheep for zakah, but if the number is only thirty-nine, there is no zakah obligation. The zakah of sheep is like that narrated by Al-Zuhri. Regarding cattle, every thirty cattle, and for forty older animals, are subject to the zakah due. No charge is upon the collection agents. For camels, the zakah is as previously described by Al-Zuhri: five camels require one sheep; if one is added, a pregnant she-camel is given, followed by other increments. It is not permissible to combine or divide livestock out of fear of zakah disputes. Neither old, sick, nor billy goats are taken unless with the agent's consent. Regarding crops watered by rivers or rain, the tithe is one-tenth; for irrigated land by artificial means, it is one-half of that. In the sources narrated by Asim and Al-Harith, the zakah is yearly. We narrated this from Sulayman ibn Dawud and others, with a similar report.
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Al-Kafi 5:253
Al-Kafi · Book 5, Hadith 253 · Narrated by Abu Abdullah (peace be upon him)
He said: Zakat is permitted for the owner of seven hundred dirhams and forbidden for the owner of fifty dirhams. I asked: How does this come about? He said: If the owner of seven hundred dirhams has many dependents, dividing it among them would not suffice, so he should forgive himself and take zakat for his dependents. However, the owner of fifty dirhams is forbidden zakat if he is alone, professionally employed, and earns enough to support himself, God willing.
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