Question
If there is accumulated interest in a Zakaat account, then can we leave it there and continue using all the funds as per Zakaat eligibility because the recipients are the same or do we have to remove the interest all the time?
Answer
Both the funds are dissimilar in the sight of Shariah and, therefore, dealt dissimilarly. Zakaat wealth is Halaal/pure while the interest amount is an Haraam/abominated wealth. The former is discharged with the intention of reward and the latter without the intention of reward. Therefore, one should not combine them but rather discharge them separately regardless of their recipients being from the same category (interest money can only be given to people eligible to receive Zakaat).
In conclusion yes, the interest will have to be removed each time it accumulates and discharged accordingly to the poor without any intention of reward.
Checked and Approved By:
Mufti Muhammed Saeed Motara Saheb D.B.
References
وأحل الله البيع وحزم الربا …سورة البقرة ٢٧٥
(ولا يجوز أداء الزكاة إلا بنية مقارنة للأداء) ولو حكما، كما لو دفع بلا نية در. (أو مقارنة لعزل مقدار الواجب) ؛ لأن الزكاة عبادة وكان من شرطها النية.. اللباب ص ١٣٧ ج ١
ط: المكتبة العلمية