Q: Can zakaat be used to pay maintenance for a child born out of wedlock with a non muslim mother? The child does not live with the father who is married himself with children.

Q: I earn a salary of R13000.00 and I have seven children. Alhamdulillah, my expenses of rental, lights and water, maid, school fees, an interest free loan that I took to buy a car and petrol add up to R8700.00 which doesn’t leave us much for Food, nappies, clothing and medical. Am I justified in approaching someone for a monthly assistance in the form of zakaat to pay either my rental or lights and water? Neither my wife nor I own any gold or jewellery. A flat that my mother is presently occupying will only become mine after her demise, may Allah grant her long life, aameen. My father left property in India for us but I do not possess the means or the knowhow of acquiring this. 

Q:If a person is eligible for zakaat and he needs to pay school fees for his kids, can I tell him that I will pay the school fees (with zakaat money)?

Q: I have a problem with regards to a person whose owing money to me and I don’t know how else to handle the situation according to how Allah would expect me to. About 2 years ago, I was selling used motor vehicles and was closing down the business and getting rid of the stock that I never sold.

Q: Is Zakaat payable on loans given to individuals and companies? 

Q: Is Zakaat payable on second and third homes used occasionally? If yes, how should this be calculated? 

Q: Is Zakaat payable on public company shares? If yes, how should this be calculated? 

Q: 1. Is Zakaat payable on freehold vacant land? If yes, how should this be calculated?

Q: What is the difference between zakaat and fitrah? Who has to give fitra?

Q: Please advise on whether zakaat is payable on fixed property - house and business immovable property, property held for investment?