Zakaat If Less Than One Year Passes On The Wealth

Q: By the time of Ramadhaan when my zakaat becomes payable I will still have in my possession the money for the flights, qurbaani and spending money, none of which will have been in my possession for longer than one year, will zakaat be payable on all these monies in my possession? I have always been under the impression that zakaat is only payable if the money, jewellery, etc., is in your possession for at least one year at the designated date that one would normally pay zakaat. However, I was recently told that it would be payable if it is in your possession as at that date irrespective of the period or when it was received.

Distributing Vouchers as Zakaat

Q: Some organizations are issuing vouchers to the effect that the recipients of Zakaat can purchase groceries to the value of an x amount (e.g. R 200) from certain shops/supermarkets. Is it permissible for these organizations to sell these vouchers at par value (exact amount on the vouchers) to third parties who wish to distribute their own Zakaat to needy recipients themselves?

Investing Money in the Banks

Q: I have a question about investing money in the Bank. Few banks are offering me to open a monthly saving account. They are promising me a profit of 11.5% every month for investing with them. I will be receiving this amount without losing my investment. Is this permissible in Islam?