Is what was given out as Zakat from less than the Nisab, or from the wife's gold (dowry), accepted as Zakat to its extent, and the remainder considered charity?

The money exceeding the sufficient amount for Zakat is considered a charity (Sadaqa), as is the money given from wealth that has not reached the nisab (threshold). Scholars have differed regarding the ruling on the amount exceeding the obligatory portion: is it obligatory, a Sunnah (recommended), or a supererogatory (nafl) act? The preponderant view is that the excess amount does not go to waste; it is either considered an obligatory act or a recommended one. And the money given from wealth on which Zakat is not due is a charity for which its giver is rewarded, even if he did not intend the reward of the hereafter.