How is Zakat calculated for trade and industry for a business that includes industrial equipment and machinery, raw materials, cash in the bank, post-dated checks, and outstanding debts, given the existence of debts owed by the business to suppliers (post-dated checks or raw materials)? And what is the ruling regarding raw materials, finished or in-progress goods, and suppliers' debts, in the calculation of Zakat?

At the end of the year, the owner of a commercial or industrial project must evaluate his cash, checks, debts, goods, and raw materials, even if they are under preparation. Fixed machinery and equipment are not to be included. He should deduct the debts owed by him. If the remaining amount reaches the nisab (which is equivalent to 85 grams of pure gold), then zakat is obligatory, and it is a quarter of one-tenth (2.5%). If it falls below this amount, then there is no zakat due.