Zakaat

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.

Zakaat on missing jewellery

Q: Some years ago, there were some riots in a certain place. The valuables from the house were placed elsewhere. Some were taken to the business, which was a big wholesale, for safekeeping and placed in a remote part of the safe. Included in these valuables which were taken to the business was some jewellery which originally belonged to the mother who has since passed away. This jewellery has now been found after many years in which it was regarded as lost. There are two questions:

  1. Is there Zakaat on this jewellery for the previous years?
  2. The mother had left a note with the jewellery stating that it should be given to her youngest son who was 9 years old at the time. Is this gift valid?