Recipients of Zakaat

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: 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: There is a destitute Muslim woman who is deserving of Zakaat, but feels embarrassed and does not accept it. An Aapa wishes to give her Zakaat. I shall be running a home-school next year, Insha-Allah. The Aapa suggested that I take assistance from this destitute lady in the form of student supervision, and she will give her the Zakaat and tell her that it is wages. Whereas, the Aapa and I both know that it is not wages as it is not an employment as such, and as she is very sickly, she will only come when she is well. I would like to know if the Aapa's suggestion is permissible.

Q: Recently I went for Haj Alhamdulillah. I had taken my zakaat money with me to distribute to the poor in Makkah and Medinah. I had given the zakaat to the cleaners of the Haram in Makkah & Medinah. Someone told me that the cleaners collect a lot of money from others whilst others informed me that they are poor. I am not sure which category do they fall under. Please let me know if my zakaat will be fulfilled or do I need to re-take out zakaat?

Q: Is it permissible to build masaajid with zakaat funds?

Q: Will zakaat be fulfilled if it is used to purchase an item for a school?

Q: A person gave zakaat to a muslim whom he regarded to be eligible for zakaat. However, after giving him the zakaat, he discovered that he was not a recipient of zakaat. Is the zakaat discharged?

Q: Which people are not eligible to receive zakaat?

Q: Will zakaat be discharged by giving it to a poor child?