A proposed model for Zakah on financial instruments: accounting approach

Purpose - This paper aims to propose a model of Zakah treatment for financial instruments. The model depends on the link between the financial assets and liabilities that emerge from a financial instrument contract. Design/methodology/approach - The determination of Zakah on contemporary financial instruments is controversial, with various conflicting Fatwas being presented. This paper introduces a theoretical model that integrates Fiqh rules, accounting, finance and economic principles to propose a method for calculating Zakah on financial instruments. This theoretical model can be the foundation for future empirical and statistical testing. Findings - The proposed model advocates omitting the financial assets/liabilities when determining the Zakah base for companies, as the Zakah burden relies on the owner of the real asset. The paper elaborates on the implementation of the model on debts, investments and cash accounts. Research limitations/implications - The paper does not investigate whether or not the accounting approach in dealing with financial contracts is deemed acceptable by Fiqh scholars, nor does it discuss whether or not this may affect the Zakah fatwas regarding these types of accounts. Practical implications - The paper establishes a conceptual framework for the Zakah on financial assets. This will pave the way for future empirical research and testing to validate the framework in different contexts. In addition, if regulators adopt this model and apply it to all companies, it would promote fairness and justice at the national level. Social implications - The proposed model advocates omitting the financial assets/liabilities when determining the Zakah base for companies, as the Zakah burden relies on the owner of the real asset. The paper elaborates on the implementation of the model on debts, investments and cash accounts. Originality/value - To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this is the first attempt to utilize the accounting approach in order to determine the amount of Zakah.