Question
I bought an apartment with the intention to rent it and then sell it in the future. Is it obligatory for me to pay zakat on it?
Answer
I say, with Allah's guidance: It is not obligatory for you to pay zakat on it because the purchase was not accompanied by the intention of trade at the time of acquiring ownership, which is the purchase. The intention of trade is a condition for the obligation of zakat on trade goods. Zakat is only obligatory if it enters one's ownership with the intention of selling it, and this condition has not been met. Therefore, zakat is not obligatory until you sell it, and Allah knows best.