Zakaat

Zakaat query

Q: Could the Respected Scholar kindly explain the following Zakaah queries:

  1. Some poor (zakaah liable) individuals are owing us money (R1000). Can we settle their debt (R1000) as a payment for our Zakaah and exclude the amount (R1000) from our total Zakaah?
  2. If the above is permissible, do we have to inform the liable debtors that they can keep the loan amount (1000) as Zakaah, and the debt is settled?
  3. If No.1 is permissible, are there any other conditions, requirements etc.?
  4. If No.1 is not permissible, what should be done and how will it effect our Zakaah?
  5. How and when is Bad Debt Defined for Zakaah?
  6. What's the ruling for Bad Debt?
  7. Is it correct to say and understand; that if we don't Qualify to  pay Zakaah, then we Qualify to receive Zakaah?
  8. Does owning a House (personal not commercial), Car disqualify one from receiving Zakaah, even though one does not qualify to pay Zakaah?
  9. How does an Interest (Allah Ta'ala forgive us and make its repayment as fast as possible) loan effect the Zakaah? And how is it deducted etc.?
  10. What's the Status of the Zakaah given to an individual which one was certain is liable, only to find out he is not? Is the Zakaah fulfilled? Is repayment necessary?

Zakaat on dollars

Q: In the country I stay, there is a big difference in the black dollar and official dollar rate. The dollar in this country is not the local currency. When I change dollars, I change on the black market because of the rate being higher. I normally take out my zakaat in the local currency. On the dollars that I have, should I take out my zakaat on the black market rate or on the official rate?

Zakaat on gold and silver jewellry

Q: One of my mother's sister lives in UK. She gave a gold necklace, a pair of ear rings, finger ring and a pair of bangles to my daughter (who also stays there after marriage) to give it to me so that I can use it in my daughter's marriage. My daughter has given it to me, but I don't want to keep such a precious gift.

  1. What can I do?
  2. Shall I need to take out zakaat for that?

Wakeel discharging zakaat from his own money

Q: At times people give me their zakaat to discharge on their behalf. Once I gave from my personal money thinking that I will take it later from an amount of zakaat kept away. When I went to replace the money, I realized that the amount was already dicharged. A few days later, I received another amount of zakaat. Will it be correct for me to replace my personal money from the second amount of zakaat although my intention was to take it from the first amount?

UK charities

Q: I am a UK tax payer and donate to charities. These charities state that they have a 100% donation policy. I tick the gift aid box so the government contributed as well. This money from the government is used for admin costs and salaries by some charities. Is this permissible, as the government donates the money on the understanding that it will be used exclusively for the respective charity and not for admin costs?