I’m a college student who came to this country a couple of years ago without anyone here supporting me, I ended up having to take out some loans to pay for my tuition and books, the majority of my loans have no interest as long as I’m in school, which I will try to pay off as soon as possible after I graduate, I know this is still not right and I ask Allah for his forgiveness. I have been working after school and over the weekends to cover the rest of my expenses, I have been able to save some money that has reached the Nisab but I still owe on my Student Loans that will be due after I graduate next year, am I required to pay Zakaah on this money given the fact that I have loans?

All praise be to Allah, and may his peace and blessings be on the last and best prophet and messenger, Muhammad.

 

You should rather pay this money you saved to your creditor to decrease the amount of your loan. In case you couldn`t and the loan payments are deferred, then you should pay the zakat as long as the payments of the loan are not due. 

 

Allah knows best.