Zakat
Q
A
If someone has his own house but has no source of income, can we give Zakat money so they can pay off their debts.
If you are 100% sure that they deserve Zakat, then you can do so.
Q
Can a person who has been made responsible for paying Zakat on your behalf pay a person of their own free will?
A
Zakat is obligatory and is a trust. It is necessary for the one paying Zakat on behalf of others to get permission from whomever they are acting on behalf of as to where the Zakat will be allocated.
Q
Can we use our zakat money for the release of prisoners and for their living costs once released?
A
You can pay Zakat to them and when they come out of the prison they are still entitled to Zakat.
Q
If someone slaughters an animal in a new house to keep their house safe, should their invitation be accepted?
A
This is shirk. Only Allah Almighty protects your house by His will. But if an animal has been slaughtered in the name of Allah only for the feast of the guests, then it is permissible.
Q
How do you pay Zakat for someone who has made a long term investment?
A
For example, if you have invested in 1000 (in the bank) and it remains 1000 throughout the year or even if it increases to 1500 then they have to pay Zakat for 1000. The next year it became 2000 and if they remained the same for the whole year, then Zakat will be in 2000.
If the investment has decreased to 800, then Zakat will be paid on 800 only.
Q
In some countries, money is fixed to pay Zakat on it. Is it right to do so?
A
The principle of paying Zakat is that if one year passes without any increase or decrease, then Zakat will be paid on it.
Q
How do we know if a person deserves zakat?
A
You can determine based on instinct and thinking. If you are one hundred per cent satisfied that they are entitled to Zakat, then give Zakat to them, otherwise, give charity to them and give zakat to someone who really deserves it.
Q
Is there Zakat on the jewellery I am using and is there Zakat on the jewellery I have kept for saving?
A
There are three opinions of scholars about this. Choose the one on which your heart is satisfied.
1. There is Zakat on all kinds of jewellery ( worn or savings)
2. There is no zakat on the jewellery worn and there will be zakat on the one bought for saving.
3. There is no Zakat on any kind of jewellery.
Q
Can Zakat be given in charities or hospitals etc.
A
Yes, but it is better to give it to someone in need with your own hands because Zakat is a trust and an obligation and it is very important to reach the right person. If there are no mosques or religious schools in an area, then you can give the zakat to the hospitals and charities.
Q
If the debtor cannot repay the amount, can we deduct the required amount from our Zakat?
Can you overwrite a debtors debt, or portion of the debt to you, as a Zakat payment?
A
If the debtor qualifies the Zakat requirements as mentioned before, then he can do so, otherwise he cannot.
Q
Can Zakat be given to siblings in case they are financially unstable or maybe poor?
A
Zakat purifies the wealth therefore it’s the dirt of your wealth. It’s better to help your siblings and family with your money apart from zakat May it be sadaqah or karat.
But if you do not afford to do that you can give from zakat.