Zakaat

I am heavily in debt. Is it permissible for me to take zakaat?

Q: I am a 32 year old married muslim male with 2 kids. I have been unemployed for 3 years and struggling to earn an income to match my living expenses (water/lights share, food, school fees etc). Also, I am in debt in the region of about R500 000 due to previous business debts. My Family and I are currently living with my parents and I have no possessions to my name (property,stock, car etc). My wife buys and sells goods as well to supplement whatever little income I am currently bringing in. Is it permissible for me to collect Zakaah to cover my living expenses and to repay my debts to Creditors?

Wife giving Sadaqah from the husbands wealth without his permission

Q: Please tell me can a woman give Sadqah and khairaat without the permission of her husband from his income? 

Hadith: Narrated Abu Huraira: The Prophet (Sallallahu Alayhi Wasallam) said, "If the wife gives of her husband's property (something in charity) without his permission, he will get half the reward." Book 69, Sahih al-Bukhari 5360

Sadaqah

Q: Should I give money to people selling stuff that I don't need to buy without buying anything from them? 

Giving Zakaat before its due time

Q: I told the brothers they can pay zakah earlier then the time it is due. Example Ramadaan 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 that we can give zakaah earlier because it is to benefit the poor? Can you please help me answer this brother.

Zakaat on graded Mandela coins

Q: I have a few graded Mandela R5 coins (year 2000 and 2008) that I have acquired. They are legal tender, but because of their demand and rarity, I bought them for a few thousand rands. I purchased them with an investment intention. How do I pay zakaat on them?  The coins have no gold or silver in them.