The Permanent Committee for Scholarly Research and Ifta' (al-Lajnah ad-Da'imah) has ruled that Zakat is due on shares in companies, with the method of calculation differing based on the shareholder's intention.

1. If the shares are held for trading (i.e., buying and selling to profit from capital gains): In this case, the shares are treated as "trade goods" ('urud al-tijarah). Zakat is calculated on their market value at the end of the Hawl (lunar year). The owner should calculate the total value of the portfolio on their Zakat due date and pay 2.5% of it, provided the value reaches the minimum threshold (nisab).

2. If the shares are held for long-term investment (i.e., to receive annual dividends, not to sell the shares themselves): The Committee has provided a detailed ruling. If the company pays Zakat on behalf of its shareholders, then the obligation is fulfilled. However, if the company does not pay Zakat, the shareholder is obligated to do so. They should endeavour to find out the value of the zakatable assets (like cash, inventory, etc.) that their shares represent and pay 2.5% of that value. If this is difficult or impossible to determine, then to be on the safe side and ensure the obligation is discharged, the shareholder should calculate the Zakat on the profit (dividends) received. Some scholars, as a measure of simplification and caution, permit paying Zakat on the entire market value of the shares (2.5%) annually, similar to the method for traders, thus covering both the capital and the potential growth.

These same principles apply to other modern investment assets like cryptocurrencies. They are considered a form of wealth (mal). If an individual holds cryptocurrency that reaches the nisab, and a full lunar year has passed, Zakat of 2.5% is due on its total market value on the Zakat date. This is because they are assets with value that are capable of growth, falling under the general principles of assets upon which Zakat is due.