Zakaat

Q: My question is that does the business subtract Long term Liabilities when doing the zakaat calculation e.g. a loan of R2 million financed through the bank to purchase fixed assets and property.

Q: I have been told that it is possible for us to form a Family Foundation, register it as a donor organization with the Receiver of Revenue for tax deductions for donations.  As the taxes we pay are used in un-Islamic ways by the Govt., e.g., abortions, corruption, mismanagement of funds, etc, it is better for us to pay as little tax as possible.  Since the donations made by the Foundation are tax deductible, it is a way in which Muslims can minimize their tax burden in a legal way when Zakaat is paid.

Q: What are the requirements for a widow to be eligible for zakaat if she has no income of her own but does have jewellery.

Q: Can zakaat be used to pay maintenance for a child born out of wedlock with a non muslim mother? The child does not live with the father who is married himself with children.

Q: I earn a salary of R13000.00 and I have seven children. Alhamdulillah, my expenses of rental, lights and water, maid, school fees, an interest free loan that I took to buy a car and petrol add up to R8700.00 which doesn’t leave us much for Food, nappies, clothing and medical. Am I justified in approaching someone for a monthly assistance in the form of zakaat to pay either my rental or lights and water? Neither my wife nor I own any gold or jewellery. A flat that my mother is presently occupying will only become mine after her demise, may Allah grant her long life, aameen. My father left property in India for us but I do not possess the means or the knowhow of acquiring this. 

Q:If a person is eligible for zakaat and he needs to pay school fees for his kids, can I tell him that I will pay the school fees (with zakaat money)?

Q: I have a problem with regards to a person whose owing money to me and I don’t know how else to handle the situation according to how Allah would expect me to. About 2 years ago, I was selling used motor vehicles and was closing down the business and getting rid of the stock that I never sold.

Q: Is Zakaat payable on loans given to individuals and companies? 

Q: Is Zakaat payable on second and third homes used occasionally? If yes, how should this be calculated? 

Q: Is Zakaat payable on public company shares? If yes, how should this be calculated?