zakaat

Is zakaat obligatory if one is in overdraft

Q: I am married with a three month old son. My wife and I both work. We live in a very modest lifestyle and Alhamdulliah just about manage to afford our essentials every month (rent, food, electricity, etc). However, once all the expenses are paid, our bank account is in an overdraft. We have been living in a bank overdraft for almost a year now and are trying our best to get out of it due to Allah's ruling on interest. Is Zakaah still obligatory on us? If yes, how do I calculate a percentage on a negative bank balance?

Wealth acquired before one's zakaat date

Q: My question is for zakaat, wealth should remain with a person for an "entire lunar year" then zakaat becomes wajib. My question is if a person has one million which remains with him for an entire lunar year, zakaat becomes wajib on him but if he gets half million one week before his zakaat date, does he need to pay zakaat on one million or 1.5 million. Please clarify. (Please note that half million which the person received did not remain with him for an entire lunar year).

Money obtained before the zakaat date

Q: The condition of Zakaat is that "One should have amount equal or greater than Nisaab amount for more than one year before Zakaat can be paid". My question is, if person receives extra money upon which one year has not passed; does he need to pay Zakaat on this extra money too which does not meet the requirement of "one year old"? Please clarify if zakaat is due only if the amount has been in one's possession for more than a year?

Helping a poor Muslim with zakaat

Q: Can I zakaat give to a person who needs help for his business. He is poor but he can fullfil his daily food and clothing needs. He has a home also in the village but he can not do business due to money, so that his financial condition can improve. If we can help him, Insha Allah his condition will get better. Please guide me.