Money deposited in chambers of commerce

Q: In our region of Al-Bahah, a chamber of commerce was established to serve businessmen and traders by protecting them against fraud inside and outside Al-Bahah region and providing them with the necessary information. This chamber of commerce is a link between both the private and public sectors. It opens retained bank accounts for all the money collected from its members in order to cover the chamber's expenses, such as paying the employees' salaries, stationery expenses, furniture, etc. The money is deposited - according to the instructions and rules applied in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia - in interest-free banks. Sometimes a lunar year passes over the surplus of this money. Therefore, we decided to write to you to ask whether we must pay 1/40 of the money in the banks as Zakah with the passing of each lunar year.We thank Allah, and we thank you for your cooperation and guiding us to what is beneficial to our life and religion.

A: Zakah is due on the chamber's money that is deposited in banks if it reaches the Nisab (the minimum amount on which Zakah is due) with the passing of a lunar year. This is because the money that is collected is mutually owned by people who must pay Zakah and this chamber serves their business interests. Thus, Zakah is due on the collected funds at a rate of 1/40 (that is 2.5%). (Part No. 9; Page No. 300) May Allah grant us success. May peace and blessings be upon our Prophet Muhammad, his family, and Companions.