Is there zakat due on money invested in the timber trade and manufacturing, and is it considered among trade goods? How is zakat calculated with existing installments for an apartment and land? And is it permissible to distribute zakat to the poor in monthly installments?

Firstly: The money paid for mudarabah (profit-sharing) is subject to zakat because it is considered a trade asset, and the zakat on profit is subsidiary to the capital.

Secondly: Real estate for which you do not have a specific intention is not subject to zakat. Zakat is obligatory only on assets for which you have a firm intention of trading.

Thirdly: Regarding the issue of deducting debts from zakat, the preferred view is that of the Maliki school: If you have enough to cover the debt, then pay zakat on what you possess; otherwise, deduct the debt from the zakatable wealth, whether the debt is immediate or deferred.

Fourthly: It is not permissible to delay zakat after it becomes due, but it is permissible to pay it in advance before the year is complete (hawl). Accordingly, paying zakat in installments to these two women is permissible if it is done in advance.