Question
Is there a difference in the ruling of zakat regarding original insanity and temporary insanity?
Answer
I say, and with God's help: The original condition of the insane person; who is someone who has reached maturity while insane, is that there is no zakat (charity) due from him. However, if he recovers from his insanity, zakat becomes due on him after a year has passed since his recovery, provided he possesses the minimum amount (nisab). As for the temporary insanity; which is when someone becomes insane after reaching maturity, zakat is waived if his insanity lasts for a year. If his insanity does not last a full year, zakat is not waived, and he must pay it on time; as this insanity does not affect him as long as it has not reached a full year. The obligation of zakat returns to him if he recovers from his insanity and remains recovered for a year. As stated in "Taj al-Haqaiq" (1: 252/253), and God knows best.