How is Zakat on wealth calculated, and is it permissible to give it to relatives who are going through difficult circumstances, or is it limited to the poor and the needy? Are relatives more deserving of it? Is it permissible to send it to another governorate? Is Zakat al-Fitr in the form of food or money better for the poor?

The method of calculating Zakat (definition) varies depending on the type of wealth. For cash and trade goods, it is estimated at a quarter of a tenth (2.5%) if it reaches the nisab (definition) (minimum threshold) and a full year (hawl) has passed. As for crops, fruits, and livestock, they have specific nisabs. It is preferable to give Zakat to poor relatives, as it is both charity (sadaqah (definition)) and maintaining kinship ties (silat ar-rahim). However, it is not permissible to give it to those whose maintenance is obligatory upon the Zakat payer. As for Zakat al-Fitr, it is permissible to give its value in money if that is more beneficial for the poor person.