Zakaat

Q: My brother for the last 8 months has saved money to build his house, plus he received a substantial amount as a qardh-e-hassan. How and when will he calculate his zakaat since he is currently building his house?

Q: I had a couple of questions about Zakat:

1. I became saahib-e-nisaab in Rabi-al-Awwal. However in order to gain the blessings of Ramadan I wanted to give my zakat during that month. In 1433 I gave my zakat funds in Rabi-al-Awwal as per my cycle, and in Ramadan 1433 (same year) I gave zakat on the estimated amount I would have in the following year- Rabi-al-Awwal 1434 (which I then verified in Rabi-al-Awwal to ensure the full zakat had been discharged based on the actual amount I had).  Is it now possible for me to switch my zakat cycle to every Ramadan? Or if I have to pay in Ramadan, do I still have to calculate it each year based on the projected amount for the next Rabi-al-Awwal?
2. My brother and mother had asked me to pay Zakat to someone on their behalf and then they would transfer the funds later. I made the payment and then we later forgot to do the transfer and I just came across the amounts in a note I made back then. I don't really want to take the money from them money now - would their obligation be fulfilled if I paid the zakat on their behalf from my money and didn't take it from them?

Q: My husband bought a flat for investment purpose only. We will not be living in it. He is currently renting out the flat and with that flat money his paying his bond. Due to it being an investment, does he pay zakaat on the value of the property?

Q: Please advise me regarding how I should pay zakaat on retirement annuities and pension funds.

Q: I am listening to a lecture here at work and just determined or realised that there is a difference between zakaat, fitrah and sadaqah and I realised that I don't think I pay zakat? I feel so ashamed now as I was so ignorant to this and I would like to rectify this immediately. I tried to Google zakaat now but its a bit confusing. So if I may, can Mufti explain to me the difference between the 3 and how do I calculate zakaat and when I must pay it. Your guidance and assistance is greatly appreciated.

Q: Must I pay zakaat on my ruling money in my business or only my profit money?

Q: Could the Respected Scholar kindly explain the following Zakaah queries:

1. Some poor (zakaah liable) individuals are owing us money (R1000). Can we settle their debt (R1000) as a payment for our Zakaah and exclude the amount (R1000) from our total Zakaah?
2. If the above is permissible, do we have to inform the liable debtors that they can keep the loan amount (1000) as Zakaah, and the debt is settled?
3. If No.1 is permissible, are there any other conditions, requirements etc.?
4. If No.1 is not permissible, what should be done and how will it effect our Zakaah?
5. How and when is Bad Debt Defined for Zakaah?
6. What's the ruling for Bad Debt?
7. Is it correct to say and understand; that if we don't Qualify to  pay Zakaah, then we Qualify to receive Zakaah?
8. Does owning a House (personal not commercial), Car disqualify one from receiving Zakaah, even though one does not qualify to pay Zakaah?
9. How does an Interest (Allah Ta'ala forgive us and make its repayment as fast as possible) loan effect the Zakaah? And how is it deducted etc.?
10. What's the Status of the Zakaah given to an individual which one was certain is liable, only to find out he is not? Is the Zakaah fulfilled? Is repayment necessary?

Q: My wife has 5 tola gold and £600. How much would her zakat be?

Q: In the country I stay, there is a big difference in the black dollar and official dollar rate. The dollar in this country is not the local currency. When I change dollars, I change on the black market because of the rate being higher. I normally take out my zakaat in the local currency. On the dollars that I have, should I take out my zakaat on the black market rate or on the official rate?

Q: Is it permissible to give one's zakaat towards paying for the purchase of a funeral vehicle for needy muslim communities?