Is Zakat al-mal due on savings or income made?
Assalamualaikum dear respected scholars. I have few questions regarding on zakah, since I was just recently introduced to the concept. I hope you could help in guiding me and share some of your knowledge with me. I am student receiving a convertible loan or scholarship from a company in order to further my studies and in exchange will have to work for the company for 10 to 12 years. I am receiving 452 pounds sterling per year, and about 250 to 300 is spent on accommodation and everyday expense. My first question regarding zakah is that as a student, Is it obligatory for me to pay zakah?I have heard of three opinions. First, as soon as receiving 452 pounds, 2.5% of that should be immediately paid as zakah. Second opinion was to calculate the balance in the account for a year, and if the nisab is reached, then 2.5% of that should be paid as zakah. And the third opinion was that no zakah needed to be paid as the money is treated as allowance for studies. I am really confused which opinion to follow. If you could please provide me the correct way to pay the zakah as well with some evidence regarding it would be much appreciated. My second question is regarding to whom the zakah should be paid. Could a political sub-party that claimed to be striving for Islam receive and handle money paid as zakah ? even if the money is used for the party itself and the members activities? Jazakallahukhairan.