I have money in the bank, and my husband pays a portion of his money in zakat and charity. Does this count as zakat on his wealth alone, or does it also cover my wealth?

Allah Almighty says, “And those within whose wealth is a known right. For the petitioner and the deprived” (Quran, 70:24–2). It is well established that the wealth owned by any person, whether male or female, is subject to zakat, provided that it is owned by that person.

Since, you have wealth of your own and an independent financial liability (dhimma maliyah) separate from that of your husband, and you keep your money in the bank, zakat is therefore due on your wealth. The zakat your husband pays on his wealth does not absolve you of the obligation to pay zakat on your own wealth if the following conditions are met:

1. That the wealth reaches the nisab (minimum amount on which zakat is due), which is equivalent to 85 grams of gold.
2. That one full lunar year passes while the wealth is in your possession.
3. That the wealth is free of debt.
4. That the wealth exceeds your basic needs.

Once these conditions are fulfilled, you are obligated to pay 2.5 % of your wealth in zakat. You are therefore required to pay the zakat that has been due on your wealth since it first became obligatory. Otherwise, the unpaid zakat will remain a debt for which you will be held accountable before Allah the Almighty.

And Allah Almighty knows best.