Zakaat

Upon which price should zakaat be calculated?

Q: I am in possession of a collector's coin set of several silver coins that I need to include in my Zakaat calculation. I understand that the value of the coin set is dependent on the current market value of the particular coin set, and not on the market value of silver. Searching online, authentic retailers are selling this coin set at several prices, with the lowest price being R3 250.00 and the highest at R3 600.00. There are several different prices in between. I have emailed other popular retailers whose prices are not mentioned online, requesting their prices for this particular coin set. Insha-Allah, they should respond soon. Depending on the response of the other retailers and the current pricing information, how should I calculate the 'market value' of this coin set for my Zakaat calculation?

Zakaat on retirement fund

Q: I have a retirement fund called 401K where I contribute certain amount of money every bi-week and the employer matches certain percentage. I can withdraw the money if I wish but before the age of 59 and half if the money is withdrawn there is a penalty and tax burden involved. The question is whether I have to pay zakaah on the this and if I have to what would be the correct way to do this?

Remainder money that was collected for a function

Q: I have a question regarding some money left unused post event. At a college function I and my class mates were organisers and we collected money from mates and juniors. The intention was clear that all money should be used, but some amount has been not used. So now who is the shari'ee owner of that money? Is it permissible for me to take back money which I had given for the event? My mates have an excuse that we were helping physically and fancially? Not the others. Do organisers have the right to take the money only what they have given or whole amount? If not what is the shar'ee hukum?

Raising funds using videos

Q: A charity trust run under the stewardship of scholars is doing fund raising by means of video appeals in the Masjid Jamat Khana. In these videos faces of people can be seen. Ulama condone this by attending the programme in the Masjid. Is raising funds in this way permissible and is it permissible to broadcast such videos in the Masjid Jamat Khana?

Giving zakaat to a divorced woman

Q: If a lady is divorced with two kids, living on her own, working but earns minimum to pay rent /water/lights/groceries petrol etc. She has her own car but sells cars now with her brother and earns profits from there, not always a set amount but +- R1 000/R1 500 a car. Some months 3 cars and some months no cars. Can she receive zakaat?