Q. My hajj would cost me $9000. I paid $1000 before Ramadan to the Hajj group leader. I owe an $8000 balance. During Ramadan every year I also I pay my Zakat.  Did I have to pay zakat on the $8000 I owe for my Hajj?

A. If at the time of giving the $1000 you signed the contract and used the $1000 as a deposit, then the remaining $8000 would fall into the category of liability for you. Thus, zakat on the remaining $8000 outstanding balance would not apply to you. You will not have had to pay Zakat to the poor on the $8000 owed to the ‘Hajj group leader.’

Allah certainly knows best.