Zakaat

Q: I just want to clarify if a family member (father) is in debt, can a son pay off his debt using his zakah contribution?

Q: Many people say that in a place where many Muslims are not found, zakaat can be given to poor non-Muslims. Is this true? If its not true what should be done?

Q:  I have a monthly income of R10 000 which is paid on the 1st of every month. At the end of the month I barely have anything left. I also have no savings. I was previously wealthy and also I never went insolvent. I always took out my zakaat in the first week of Ramadhan. If the first week of Ramadhan falls on the 1st week of the gregorian calender when I receive my salary, is zakaat waajib on me?

Q: My haul-date in zakat is the 27th of Ramadan. Is it permissible for me to pay X pounds before the 27th, if I know that my zakat will be to more than X pounds, and pay the rest after the 27th (when I have calculated the exact amount)? Or do I have to pay everything after the 27th?

Q: I am a 32 year old married muslim male with 2 kids. I have been unemployed for 3 years and struggling to earn an income to match my living expenses (water/lights share, food, school fees etc). Also, I am in debt in the region of about R500 000 due to previous business debts. My Family and I are currently living with my parents and I have no possessions to my name (property,stock, car etc). My wife buys and sells goods as well to supplement whatever little income I am currently bringing in. Is it permissible for me to collect Zakaah to cover my living expenses and to repay my debts to Creditors?

Q: Please tell me can a woman give Sadqah and khairaat without the permission of her husband from his income? 

Hadith: Narrated Abu Huraira: The Prophet (Sallallahu Alayhi Wasallam) said, "If the wife gives of her husband's property (something in charity) without his permission, he will get half the reward." Book 69, Sahih al-Bukhari 5360

Q: What does the hanafi mazhab say about beggars in the street who make begging their profession?

Q: Should I give money to people selling stuff that I don't need to buy without buying anything from them? 

Q: At times we see people begging on the side of the road. Should we assist them? We hear some people saying that this is actually encouraging begging, but some say it's good.

Q: Can a mother pay off her son's debts with her zakah? She does not have enough money to pay his debts outright, because if she did that, then she would not be able to pay her zakah.