zakaat

Q: Can zakaat be given to a Muslim to release him from prison who has been in prison for last fifteen years. The person in prison is punctual about his prayers and believes that he is innocent and must be released from prison so he can look after his kids and wife. He also suspect that he may be hung for capital punishment if he is not proved innocent. We don't know if zakaat can be spent on such a person, so he can be released from prison and we do not know whether he is a culprit or not?

Q:

1- Will zakaat be discharged by giving zakat money to adults or children who are begging outside the Haram Sharif?

2- Will zakaat be discharged by giving zakat money to those people who look poor from outer appearance?

Q: I live in the UK with one kid. My kid's dad lives in another country. Because I am a single mum and have no job, I receive some benefits from the government. I use that money for my and my kids's expenses. I don't work so I don't have anywhere alse to get my zakaat money from. Now my question is can I pay my zakaat from that money (which I receive from the government). Also I sometimes give sadaqa from that money. Is my sadaqa valid? Will Allah accept that sadaqah? The other thing I would like to know is how much money do I need to give in zakaat for gold, and cash?

Q: May I please ask your advice on two matters with regards to Zakaat.

a) My wives uncle recently had both his legs amputated. He is an elderly 78 year old man with two unmarried daughters (both working) and a son. He has a house. They are living from hand to mouth and come from the poor community. Am I allowed to use my zakaat funds to purchase needy medical equipment that he requires, like a hospital bed, a wheelchair etc?

b) In our community there is a lady who has also had both her legs amputated. She lives in a small backyard room. No income. Are we allowed to assist her in settling some monthly accounts like electricity, food, groceries etc with our zakaat funds?

Q: If a person buys a plot, will Zakaat be compulsory on it or not?

Q: Is there zakat on GP Fund which is a fund for government employees?

Q: Does one have to pay zakaat on sterling silver?

Q: In regards to discharging Zakaat, it has become very difficult now a days to find out who deserve to receive Zakaat. Please advise where else it can be discharged like muslim institutes, orphan centers etc?

Q: Can we give our zakaat money to our grand father or grand mother?

Q: I am currently employed working on commission earning a very decent salary. Due to to certain mismanagement of my salary I find myself in debt (3 times my salary) owing rent, Edgars etc. Is it permissible to accept zakaat money (once off) to help settle these debts.