What is the ruling on an ignorant person who denies the obligation of Zakah?
General Chapter
Al-Mughni
Book of Zakat
Primary text
If a Muslim denies the obligation of Zakah out of ignorance, and that ignorance stems from recent conversion to Islam or residence in a remote desert area far from urban centers, they are to be educated about its obligation, and they are not judged an apostate because they are excused. However, if the denier is a Muslim raised within Muslim lands among people of knowledge, then they are an apostate, and the rulings pertaining to apostates apply, requiring them to seek repentance three times. If they do not repent, they are to be executed.
Supporting text
The latter ruling applies because the evidence for the obligation of Zakah is manifest in the Quran, the Sunnah, and the consensus of the Ummah, making it nearly impossible to be unknown to someone situated within the community of scholars. Therefore, their denial implies they have disbelieved (rejected) the Book and the Sunnah.