Zakaat

Q: A person every year gave zakat in the month of Ramdhaan (up to 2011). Last year (in 2012) he gave zakat in the month of zulhijjah or Muharram. When will zakat be due for this year(2013)?

Q: I have $100,000 in my retirement fund. I cannot withdraw any amount from this find until the next 10 years. If for some reason I withdraw, I will get $80,000 after penalty. On what amount do I have to pay zakah either $100,000 or $80,000?

Q: Can I give zakat to a Sayyed? My in-law is very poor and old age also there is no income also, but they are Sayyeds?

Q:

1. Is it true that Zakaat should not be given to Ahle Bait or people belonging to Sadaat (i.e Syed family in India)?
2. Can a person give Zakaat to his poor relatives?

Q: Can I give zakat in advance and calcule it for next year?

Q: Is it permissible to give zakaat to a Muslim working woman who is supporting her household by herself as a single mother.

Q: With reference to Surah Yusuf (alahis salaam), is it correct for a person working with Public Funds (Government, NGO's etc.) to give preference to his Needy Family Relatives? This would be done in accordance with following the correct procedures, protocols, regulations etc. If it is correct, would it be preferable?

Q: My company has a compulsory pension/provident fund that I am compelled to join. There is no option not to join. I was aware of it when I joined the company, and I signed all the necessary paperwork. Does it still count as a pension fund that is forced upon me, and do I still need to pay Zakaah on the payout. If Zakaah needs to be paid, then on what amount. Usually, the company takes off a certain amount off your salary, and puts it towards the pension fund. You have no access to this money while in the employ of the company. When you leave, the company subtracts off the tax portion, and then only gives you what is left. Does zakaat need to be paid on the full amount of the pension, or only the amount that is actually paid out (which has the tax subtracted)?

Q: Please advise me on the following concerning paying of zakaat. I have invested capital in a partnership which provides a service. There is no stock which is purchased for selling. Do I pay zakat on the full capital investment as well as profits earned or only on profits earned?

Q: I live in Bahrain with my husband and children. My parents live in Pakistan. My father is retired, my youngest sister is divorced she lives with my parents. My other sister is married and lives with her family in Pakistan. My one & only brother lives with his wife in Australia. He was financially taking care of my parents as my parents live in a rental accommodation although they own an apartment which is on rent but the rent is not enough. Last year in August my brother lost his job as he committed a crime (fraud), he worked in a financial institution. He was found guilty & is in prison. They bought a house in Australia on mortgage, his wife works & most of her salary goes to pay mortgage payment (mortgage is for 30 years) she is left with very little amount to pay other expenses (she is expecting a baby in October Inshallah). She had no money to pay the lawyer's fee (the lawyer after knowing their financial condition told her to give her fee in instalments). I've been sending her lawyer's fee  (instalments) every month since March. My brother will be released next month in August but will have no income & it will be very difficult for him to get a job (they are Pakistani nationals) so they cant get any help from the government & his wife will be on paid maternity leave. We have also found out from his wife that he has a car loan & credit card loan to pay to the bank in Australia. My parents are already shattered as they are practising Muslims & never ever expected their only son to be like that. His wife tells us that he is a changed person now, feels very sorry for his actions/trouble he has caused his parents & is praying, fasting in prison Allah knows best. I work in a school & I send his wife some money from my salary. I have to give zakat which I can't give at one time (I usually give it every month but I was not as I was sending money to them). I want to help my brother/his wife but I'm not in a position to help them and give zakat at the same time, frankly I want to help my parents too but its impossible for me right now. Can you please guide me if I can give my zakat money to my brother every month or my parents? I'm very confused as I don't know how to give zakaat and help him at same time when I know they have no other help and I don't want to delay the zakat.