Zakat on Jewelry

November 2, 2020

Zakat is an undeniable obligation in Islam. The Quran has commanded Zakat to be given in numerous places throughout the Divine Book. The word Zakat itself has been mentioned thirty-two times in the Quran. Therefore, there is no doubt in the importance of this as a commitment and a pillar in Islam.

Regarding the discussion of Zakat payable on jewelry, there has been famous differences of opinion mentioned historically by the various scholars of Islam. The first thing to note is that there is a concrete consensus (Ijma’) amongst the scholars regarding the obligation of paying Zakat on both gold and silver. The key point of disagreement amongst the scholars, however, is the difference of opinion regarding whether Zakat is payable on the gold and silver contained in the jewelry.

The two different types are:

Jewelry not containing gold or silver:
The consensus (Ijma’) states that all jewelry that contains any metal or stones apart from gold and silver are not zakatable. This means that rubies, copper, iron, diamonds, etc. are not zakatable metals and stones whether it is used in jewelry form or otherwise. (If any of these are purchased for the sole purpose of business then they will be zakatable.)

Molded or fashioned gold or silver for our beautifications apart from women's jewelry:
Any molded gold or silver for purposes other than women's wear will be zakatable. Therefore, if a person has gold or silver utensils, bowls, frames, etc. zakat must be paid on these items. (It is not permissible to use gold or silver for such things like utensils, bowls, or frames. Thus, if a person used gold or silver in any haram usage zakat will always be payable.)

Is Zakat Payable on Women’s Jewelry?

1) Hanbali, Shafi, and Maliki Position
According to the vast majority of 3 out of 4 schools of jurisprudence, the conclusion of the ruling is that Zakat is not payable on the gold and silver in women's jewelry.