Ruling on Denying Zakat

**If denier is ignorant:** - New to Islam or raised in remote desert away from scholars - He is informed of its obligation - Not ruled as disbeliever (excused due to ignorance) **If denier is Muslim raised among Muslims:** - Living in Muslim lands with access to knowledge - He is an **apostate** (murtad) - Subject to laws of apostasy - Given 3 days to repent - If he repents, accepted; if not, executed **Reason:** The proofs are so clear in Quran, Sunnah, and consensus that one in such circumstances cannot be ignorant. His denial amounts to rejecting the Quran and Sunnah themselves.