The Ruling on Zakah in Gold Used for Adornment

Question:
May Allah reward you. This questioner, Honorable Shaykh, who used the initials M M F from the Arab Republic of Egypt, says: Honorable Shaykh, I have heard on the Radio al-Qur'an in the Kingdom many questions regarding the zakah of gold used for adornment. Some scholars, citing authentic hadiths, stated that if it is for adornment, the zakah is not due on it. Other scholars say that if the amount of gold used and not used for adornment reaches the nisab, then it is obligatory to pay the zakah, also citing authentic hadiths, including the one about the woman who was carrying a girl and took her to the Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings be upon him), and she had a bracelet on her hand, and he asked her about paying the zakah on it. So now she says: I am in a dilemma; should I pay the zakah on this gold this year or not? Knowing that I use it for adornment and I have been paying the zakah on this gold every year. Please inform us of the correct ruling, may Allah reward you.

Answer:
Yes, there is scholarly disagreement regarding the zakah of adornment that is in use. The majority hold that zakah is not obligatory on it, because it has become part of the items in use, such as clothing, housing, and animals. Those who hold that zakah is obligatory on it do so based on the default ruling for gold and silver, which is that zakah is obligatory on them, and based on some evidence they cited and considered authentic. In any case, the disagreement exists, and whoever wants to be cautious and clear their conscience should pay the zakah.
As for the obligation, we do not hold that zakah is obligatory on adornment that is in use. However, if one wants to be cautious and remove doubt with certainty, that is a good thing. If you have been continuing to pay the zakah on it every year, continue with the zakah, for you are able to do so. This is more cautious for the conscience and a way to avoid the disagreement. Yes.