Calculating zakaat

Including the wealth one acquired on one's zakaat day in one's zakaat calculation

Q: My zakaat date is on the first of Ramadhaan. At which time will I have to take an account to work out my zakaat, as during the day, I will also be doing trade. Hence, if I buy and sell during the day, will I include the wealth I acquire on that day in my zakaat calculation? Similarly, if I incur debts during the day, will I deduct the debts from my zakaat calculation?

Calculating the market value of an item

Q: I sell clothing to chain stores as well as other traders. The chain stores mark up their clothing with a very high markup, making 300% to 400% profit. Other traders' mark up is not so high. The chain stores (e.g. Pep or Ackermans) have many 100 of branches in the country compared to the other traders that I sell to. Hence, the total number of traders will be 60 or 70 compared to the number of chain store branches in the country.

When calculating zakaat, the market value is considered. However, the normal traders sell it at R150 and those chains stores sell it at R300. Will one consider R150 as the market value or R300?

If the market value is considered according to the value of the chain stores, it will be quite difficult for the normal traders who only sell it at R150.

Giving zakaat to one's son in law after one's zakaat date

Q: Can I give zakaat money to my son in law who wants to study... I give my zakaat every year in Ramadhaan and he will only start studying around June... Is it ok for me to keep the amount aside up until June? Is it ok that I do not disclose to him that it is Zakaat money? He does work and earns a low salary which goes into necessities and he does not have the nisaab amount.

Calculating zakaat

Q: I have never had nisab for a full year. I normally get a bonus at the end of each year and then usually my income goes under the nisab during the year.

I do not have any other savings, investments, gold, silver, etc, but I do have nice furniture and expensive appliances. I also have a shariah loan outstanding for my car which I am still paying off.

Please advise if Zakaah is compulsory on me.