Zakat is the second pillar among the obligations prescribed by Allah for Muslims, following prayer, as stated in His words: ‘And establish prayer and give zakat and bow with those who bow [in worship and obedience].’ (Quran, Al-Baqara: 43). Zakat is a purification of the soul from stinginess, and a cleansing of wealth from deceit. This is because a Muslim gives zakat from his wealth with a content heart, seeking the mercy and forgiveness of Allah. It serves as a bond of connection and kindness between a servant and his brethren in Islam.
Today’s article shines a light on one of the most significant aspects of Zakat in a Muslim’s life: the Zakat on worn gold. It discusses the nature of such gold, its ruling in Islamic law, and the amount of Zakat due on it.
What is Zakatable worn Gold?
In Islamic jurisprudence, worn gold refers to any gold ornament worn by women for adornment.
Regarding the ruling on Zakat for this type of gold, there are two differing opinions:
- in the Hanafi school of thought, one of the four major Islamic jurisprudential schools, it is agreed that Zakat is obligatory on used gold if it reaches the Nisab (minimum threshold). This view is derived from the verse of Allah: “And those who hoard gold and silver and spend it not in the way of Allah – give them tidings of a painful punishment.” (Quran, At-Tawbah: 34).
- The second opinion, held by most other Islamic jurisprudential schools, is that Zakat is not obligatory on worn gold, based on a Hadith of the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him), reported by Jabir, where the Prophet said, “There is no Zakat on ornaments,” because Zakat is due on wealth that increases in value, and ornaments, like clothing, do not fall into this category.
Ruling on Zakat for Worn Gold
If we follow the opinion that Zakat is obligatory, then Zakat is due on worn gold – as agreed upon by the majority of scholars – under the following conditions:
- The gold reaches the Nisab, approximately 85 grams of gold.
- A complete lunar year has passed since its possession.
- The intention behind its possession is saving or investment.
Amount of Zakat on Worn Gold
If the conditions for Zakat on gold are met, and the amount reaches or exceeds the Nisab of 85 grams of pure gold, Zakat is calculated as a quarter of a tenth, i.e., 2.5% of the total value of the owned gold.
Zakat for worn gold can be given either in gold or cash, calculated based on the total gold value at the time of giving Zakat, and then 2.5% of this total amount is given according to the market price of gold per gram.
Masarat for Education and Youth Empowerment in Northern Syria
At Masarat, believing in the importance of education and its accessibility to all community members to become self-sufficient in the future, we strive to extend our support to our children in the Northern Syrian region, contributing our services and providing necessary educational support free of charge.
By donating your Zakat to the Masarat Initiative, you lay the foundation stone in the journey of transforming the educational, cognitive, and professional lives of thousands of Syrian children.
