Is Khums Required on Savings for Buying a House?

Question

A question about whether one must pay khums on money saved for purchasing a house or starting a project.

Answer 1

Peace be upon you.

Ayatollah Khamenei (may Allah protect him):

In general, khums must be paid on the profits of earnings when the khums year ends. However, if someone is about to spend the money on their needs in the coming days, then there is no khums on it. Similarly, if one cannot purchase their current needs according to their social status—such as a house—immediate expenses for future necessities can be considered as current expenses. They may convert their income before the khums year ends into their needs, such as building materials and land for the house. If they cannot purchase their current needs after paying khums, they can request an extension from the guardian of khums or their representative to pay khums in installments according to their ability in terms of time and amount.

(1) The near future varies according to what is intended to be purchased; for example, for a mobile phone, it is considered to be within four to five days, for a car, two to three weeks, and for a house, two to three months, which can be considered as a purchase likely to happen.

Source: Special Inquiry + Differences in Fatwas, 238.

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Ayatollah Sistani (may Allah protect him):

Yes, if it is not spent on current expenses during the year.

If it is appropriate for someone in their situation—according to the prevailing customs in their country—to gradually seek to own a residence, then failing to do so would be considered neglecting their family’s rights and future, which contradicts their status. What they purchase each year can be considered as part of their expenses for that year. This also applies to preparations for their children's marriage over several years if neglecting it would be contrary to the status of the father or mother, especially if they are unable to provide for them in due time.

Source: Official Website + Office of His Eminence Sistani in Lebanon + Minhaj al-Salihin, Vol. 1, Issue 1228

May you be successful in all good.