What types of wealth are subject to Zakat: from an invested sum that has not reached the nisab, from gold upon which a year has not passed, and from real estate recently purchased? And is it sufficient to disburse a monthly sum with the intention of Zakat in lieu of the annual Zakat?

The nisab (threshold for Zakat) is equivalent to 85 grams of pure gold, or 595 grams of pure silver. The lesser of these two nisabs is considered the standard. Zakat becomes obligatory when wealth reaches this amount and a full lunar year has passed over it. Gold purchased for permissible personal use is not subject to Zakat. However, if it is acquired for investment or trade, Zakat is due on it if it reaches the nisab. Real estate purchased for habitation or rental is not subject to Zakat. However, if it is for trade, Zakat becomes obligatory on it when a full lunar year has passed, calculated by appraising its value and giving one-quarter of one-tenth (2.5%) of it. Commercial goods are added to cash and gold, and Zakat is paid on the total. It is permissible to pay Zakat in advance according to the majority of scholars. Therefore, what is paid monthly with the intention of Zakat is sufficient, and it is accounted for when the hawl (lunar year) is complete. For the payment to be valid, the intention of paying the obligatory Zakat must be present at the time of disbursement.