What is the ruling on a son taking from his father's zakat money if he is in need, especially if his academic qualification does not match the available job opportunities? What about the years in which the father erred in paying zakat or did not pay it? Is zakat obligatory on the mother's saved gold that is rarely worn, knowing that she does not adhere to religious matters as she should?

Zakat is obligatory on gold if it reaches the nisab (85 grams of pure gold) and a full lunar year has passed on it. The pure gold is calculated by multiplying the number of grams by the karat and dividing the result by 24. The majority of scholars hold the view that Zakat is not obligatory on women's jewelry intended for personal use. A mother may adopt this view. As for past due Zakat, it must be paid immediately, no matter how long the period. Whoever has not paid Zakat for past years must pay it immediately. A poor breadwinner who cannot earn a living is permitted to take Zakat from his father if his maintenance is not obligatory upon his father, or if his father is unable to provide for him.