Reasoning For Allowing Zakaat to be Discharged Before Its Due Date

Q: The following is an usool question which I would like clarity in. I told the brothers they could pay zakaat earlier then the time it is due. For example Ramadan is in a week so give it now to benefit the poor. The people said it makes no sense. They said, then why can I not fast a month earlier. Why can I not pray Salaah a day before? Is it true that we can give zakaat earlier because it is to benefit the poor? Can you please help me answer this brother?

Inheritance Question

Q: The deceased (the mother) holds 1/8th share in a fixed property. She is survived by 4 sons and 3 daughters. How should the deceased's 1/8th share be apportioned to each of the 4 sons and 3 daughters?

Giving Zakaat on the Pretext of Wages

Q: There is a destitute Muslim woman who is deserving of Zakaat, but feels embarrassed and does not accept it. An Aapa wishes to give her Zakaat. I shall be running a home-school next year, Insha-Allah. The Aapa suggested that I take assistance from this destitute lady in the form of student supervision, and she will give her the Zakaat and tell her that it is wages. Whereas, the Aapa and I both know that it is not wages as it is not an employment as such, and as she is very sickly, she will only come when she is well. I would like to know if the Aapa's suggestion is permissible.

Zakaat on One's House

Q: We have Alhamdullillah two houses. One we are using to live and the other we are receiving rent from it and also my father's shop is there in this house...how should we pay zakaat on it?  As far as I know there is no zakaat on the house we are living in. Please provide me with the details.