What if I did not pay zakaat for past years?

“Zakaat is compulsory on the payout received from the insurance company for the previous years. However, it should be known that it is only permissible for one to take back the amount he had given to the insurance company. The extra amount is impermissible and must be given in Sadaqah without the intention of receiving reward.”

“If the debtor acknowledges this debt and/or there is proof of him owing the outstanding amount, then Zakaat will have to be paid on the outstanding amount for each year (i.e.1445 onwards). If there is no proof and he is denying the existence of the debt, then Zakaat will not be paid on this amount for the year 1445.”

“With regard to Zakaat on debtors (outstanding receivables), this will depend on the following detail: Debts are of three categories: Strong Debt: A debt due in lieu of goods of trade or due in lieu of gold, silver or currency taken on loan; rental due from property bought for resale or anything which is bought for resale.”

“In the enquired case, if the woman lost her jewellery 20 years ago and had no hope of finding it, Zakaat on the jewellery was not compulsory upon her for the past 20 years. (Shaami 2/226)”