Paying zakat on behalf of the deceased

If a person passes away without having paid his zakah, will the heirs have to pay the zakah from the inheritance? If the heirs keep the wealth without having paid zakah on it, will there be some form of misfortune in his wealth?

 بسم الله الرحمن الرحيم

الجواب حامدا ومصليا ومسلما

In principle, the heirs are not obliged to pay zakah on behalf of the deceased unless the deceased made a will for them to do so. In which case, the will can be executed in up to one third of the deceased’s estate. However, if all or some heirs wish to pay off the zakah from their own share, that would be permissible and rewarding although they would not be required to do so.

والله اعلم

Allah Knows best.

Approved by: Mufti Husain Ahmad Madani